Emily Vargo is an assistant clinical professor and the director of graduate studies and professional development for the Master of Public Policy (MPP) program at the Penn State School of Public Policy. With a multidisciplinary academic background, including a Doctorate in Higher Education (Ed.D) from Northeastern University, and master’s degrees in public administration and human resource and employment relations, Emily brings a unique blend of policy expertise, academic leadership, and student-centered support to her roles. Her teaching portfolio includes courses in policy and program evaluation, leadership theory, and the bureaucratic process, as well as the MPP capstone and internship experience. Emily’s research focuses on student success and equity in higher education, particularly the transitional experiences of student veterans, through the lenses of transition theory, disability theory, and adult learning theory. She has also led significant grant-funded projects on occupational licensing reform and workforce development and has published in journals such as the Journal of Entrepreneurship and Public Policy. Committed to experiential learning and professional readiness, she coordinates speaker series, policy site visits, and strategic development initiatives to prepare students for impactful careers in public service.