Student Ambassadors
Learn more about our Student Admissions Ambassadors and what they love about the RAND School
John Blakeslee
Master of National Security Policy alum; MPhil student
- Why the RAND School:
- “I know of no other graduate program that puts students this close to work that matters. At the RAND School, the teachings of a top policy school are tested against live problems alongside researchers directly advising policymakers. You learn how to deliver analysis that survives contact with decision-makers. If you want to learn how policy works in the real world, this is the place.”
- Research Interests:
- International Economics, Geopolitical Competition
- Education:
- Master of National Security Policy, RAND School of Public Policy; MFA in screenwriting, USC; BA in political science and philosophy, Boston College
Matthew Forbes
PhD Student
- Why the RAND School:
- “One of the things I appreciate most about the RAND school is the people working there. I have met many faculty members through classes, on-the-job training, and networking events who have gone on to be great mentors and have made me a better researcher. I have also learned so much through my peers in the program!”
- Research Interests:
- Economic Policy, Employment and Unemployment
- Education:
- MPhil, RAND School of Public Policy; MPP, University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA); B.A. in economics, University of California-Berkeley; BA in data science, University of California-Berkeley
Syuzanna Petrosyan
MPhil alum; PhD student
- Why the RAND School:
- “The most meaningful part of my experience has been applying research from both my studies and RAND projects to real-world scenarios and observing where it does or does not translate.”
- Research Interests:
- Economic Development and Finance, International Trade and Economic Policy, Security Cooperation and Low-Intensity Conflict
- Education:
- MPhil in public policy, RAND School of Public Policy; MA in journalism, University of Southern California; BA in economics, international studies, University of California, Irvine
Asya Spears
| Cohort: | 2015 |
|---|---|
| Program: | Ph.D. |
| Why Pardee RAND: | “Pardee RAND offers the opportunity to design a graduate school experience that prepares you for the aspects of policy you want to be involved in. I have leveraged that flexibility and even changed my area of focus after spending time exploring new interests through OJT. I am inspired to see my peers building expertise and launching careers from their unique areas of excellence!” |
| Research Interests: | Program Evaluation, Social Determinants of Health, STEM Education, Workforce Development |
| Education: | M.S. in biostatistics, University of California, Los Angeles; B.S. in mathematics, Spelman College |
Peggy Wilcox
| Cohort: | 2021 |
|---|---|
| Program: | Ph.D. - Community-Partnered Policy and Action |
| Why Pardee RAND: | “My favorite thing about Pardee RAND is the smorgasbord of opportunities, from the amazing classes that are offered to the remarkable spectrum of talented people and interesting OJT inside of the entire organization!” |
| Research Interests: | Arctic Region, Community Resilience, Global Climate Change, Politics and Government |
| Education: | M.P.A. in government and public administration, University of Alaska Southeast; B.A. in anthropology, University of Alaska Anchorage |