From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a policy wonk. I would come home from school and watch Last Week Tonight, spend my weekends glued to Democracy 3, and eagerly debate my friends over topics like car-centric urban design and sustainable resource use.

At UCF, I loved diving into the academic foundations of public policy, becoming a lifelong student of economics, history, and philosophy. While I bring a range of analytical and interpersonal skills into my career, I consider my deep interest in making the world a better place my greatest asset. I am eager to learn, excited to contribute, and committed to creating meaningful community impact.

In 2017, I was invited to participate in a week-long simulation of state government at Nebraska Boys State. I came prepared with policy proposals taken from academic research and policy think tanks, such as subsidizing renewable energy generation and reforming zoning laws. But instead of debating these ideas, most of my peers dismissed them outright in favor of flashy proposals like broad tax cuts and harsh drug sentencing laws. That moment stayed with me. It was the first time I realized how often meaningful policies are ignored or misunderstood in civic life. It also solidified my desire to become a policy professional capable of translating good ideas into actionable reforms.

One of my most memorable experiences at UCF was helping to organize the 2023 “Protestival." This was a joyful protest against Florida’s restrictions on educational curriculum, especially the state’s ban on teaching critical race theory. The event blended civic messaging with community-building. We ran interactive booths, held a clothing drive, and brought together over a dozen campus groups through music, poetry, and art. It was an incredible example of how civic participation doesn’t always have to be solemn. It can also be exciting, empowering, and creative. That lesson has stayed with me as I’ve worked to combine policy impact with public engagement and coalition-building.

Receiving the Samsung Scholarship at Nebraska Boys State (2017)

Running an interactive booth at the UCF Protestival (2023)

I graduate from Lincoln Lutheran Middle & High School in Lincoln, Nebraska as a National Merit Scholar in 2019. I then pursued dual bachelor's degrees in Economics and Political Science at the University of Central Florida, followed by a Master's in Public Policy Analysis.

While the My Projects page of this portfolio highlights my graduate-level work, this section instead showcases the undergraduate coursework that helped build my foundation in statistical methods, economic modeling, policy analysis, and critical thinking.

Mathematics:
     • Calculus with Analytical Geometry
     • Statistical Methods I & II
     • Econometrics I & II

Economics:
     • Labor Economics
     • Industrial Organization
     • Game Theory
     • Health Economics
     • Law & Economics
     • Money & Banking
     • International Macroeconomics

Political Science:     
     • Scope & Methods of Political Science
     • American Public Policy
     • Congress & The Legislative Process
     • American Constitutional Law I & II
     • State Government & Public Policy
     • Mass Media & Politics
     • International Political Economy

Philosophy:
     • Key Figures in Philosophy
     • Medieval Philosophy
     • Contemporary Philosophy
     • Contemporary Democratic Theory
     • Modern Political Ideologies

I am seeking early-career opportunities that allow me to apply my skills in data analysis and program administration for the betterment of my community. My primary interests lie in energy generation, healthcare delivery, and workforce development — issue areas where smart policies can address some of the most pressing problems our country currently faces. My long-term career goal is to help create public institutions that are more equitable and responsive to the needs of the people they serve.