School of Public Policy

In summer 2024, Dan interned with Team Pennsylvania in Harrisburg, working in agricultural policy — a field he had not previously explored. He gained hands-on experience by researching policy topics, visiting facilities and connecting with professionals in the field. One of his most memorable moments was attending a board meeting at Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence, where he met Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi and other University leaders.

One of the highlights of her time at Penn State has been the opportunity to engage in hands-on research. Halima is especially focused on projects related to digital inclusion and AI privacy policy. She is currently conducting a systematic review on smartphone ownership in developing regions, exploring how access to technology can empower communities.

I’m leveraging the master of public policy degree because it gives me core skills that set me ahead of the trend. Having a political science degree gives you the base knowledge, and the master’s program is teaching me additional skills — like coding and statistics — and how to apply political science theories to the real world. It’s taking my education up another level.

As a student, Madelyn was able to fulfil her love of civic engagement through her role in Penn State Votes, helping to develop resources to support students registering to vote and making a plan to vote.

“Through my education, I want to learn how to make an impact.”