Student Profile: Caleb Costa, MPP Class of 2023

Growing up on the coast of Southern California instilled in Caleb a powerful love for the ocean and the natural world. “From a young age I spent a lot of my life in and around the water and have felt, and do feel, intimately connected with the ocean,” he said. 

Costa left his home in San Diego to pursue his bachelor’s degree in political science from Ohio State University before pursuing his consulting career with Accenture in Chicago. Yet, he still feels the pull of the coastline and returns whenever possible to camp and reconnect. "I would say my gratitude for the ocean compels my professional interests. I am pursuing a public policy degree so I can work with and protect the environments that have been integral in my life.”

Costa's first experience with the possibilities of policy took place during his undergraduate years. "I enjoyed my public policy classes immensely and came to believe policy was the most efficient way towards impactful, measurable change." When Costa began researching graduate programs to further his goals, he found the Master of Public Policy program at Harris an ideal next step. " I felt the quantitative focus of the MPP would equip me with the skills to take on the complex and urgent issues of ocean conservation and coral reef rehabilitation."

As he prepares to launch into his first year at Harris, Costa is excited by the possibility of potential research opportunities—and recalled the impact his former thesis advisor at Ohio State had on his trajectory. "Skylar Crammer not only inspired me to pursue grad school, but he offered me my first opportunity for research. I was admittedly a bit aimless at the beginning of my undergraduate career and had just switched majors from physics to political science when I joined Dr. Crammer as a research assistant. He instilled a passion for research and discovery that has brought me to Harris."

Costa said another facet of his time at Ohio State he hopes to replicate at Harris is his activity in student groups. "At Ohio State, clubs enabled me to pursue broad interests and passions. I was an active member of several student organizations, including student philanthropy council, the literary magazine, and surf club. I am looking forward to exploring and joining Harris Student Organizations.”

As for where Costa sees himself post-Harris, Costa ultimately aims to combine his love of the ocean with his newfound quantitative toolkit to make real change in ocean conservation policy. His advice to prospective students reflects that philosophy: “Be mindful. Discover what moves you and take every step to make that your life.”