Student Profile: Sophie Lara, MACRM Class of 2027

Sophie Lara, MACRM Class of 2027, describes her path to the Master of Arts in Public Policy with Certificate in Research Methods (MACRM) at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy as “not particularly straightforward.”

Born and raised outside of Philadelphia, PA, Lara first experienced the University of Chicago as an undergraduate, earning her BS with honors in biology with a specialization in microbiology. “My undergraduate experience was eye-opening and invaluable in many ways. One key takeaway was recognizing that my love of research was more aligned with the social sciences than the natural sciences. As a result, when I began exploring graduate programs, I decided to pivot my focus.”

To that end, Lara returned to Pennsylvania and began pursuing her master’s in political science at Temple University—where she experienced a second pivot. “Over the course of my studies, I came to see that policy, as opposed to political science, was my primary interest. Essentially, I’m more interested in researching and evaluating the effects of policy decisions than researching and evaluating the theories behind political decisions.

“I then realized,” Lara continued, “I needed to advance my methodological training, theoretical background, and research experience to be the most effective policy researcher I can be.”

Lara said the Harris MACRM was the clearest path to gaining these skills. “Even before I applied, I knew I appreciated the academic atmosphere at UChicago—it’s very collaborative and interdisciplinary. So, given its focus, the MACRM program was top of mind for me. It’s very research oriented—almost like a pre-PhD program—and offers the best of both worlds. I can take PhD classes to explore that path and also gain professional opportunities and exposure to different industries and careers.”

Visiting campus—and spending time with Harris students—Lara added, confirmed Harris was where she wanted to further her career as a policy researcher. “At Admitted Students Day, I was struck by how engaged students were. Hearing from students from so many different fields with such different experiences was inspiring and reassuring, especially since most of my work experience has been research assistant roles in my undergraduate and graduate career.”

As for what she hopes to accomplish and Harris, Lara said, “I believe that we should make the world a better place, and the best way to do that is by using evidence-based action grounded in empirical truth. I want to be the best researcher I can be for an issue that inspires me and contributes to addressing a real social problem in a meaningful way.”

As for advice to prospective Harris students, Lara offers these two observations. “As someone who has pivoted a few times, I’d say, ‘it’s never too late.’ If it feels right and you have the ability to pursue it, definitely go for it, whatever it might be. Second, look for programs that really speak to you—where you could really picture yourself being a part of that environment.”