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Like you, every SPA student has a unique story to share about how they intend to realize their purpose @ SPA! Whether you are driven to impact an issue or motivated to build a practical skillset, a master鈥檚 degree from SPA can, and will, make the difference. Schedule to chat with one of our current students. We recommend coming prepared with a brief introduction and questions* related to academic, professional, and student life at AU, SPA, and in D.C.
*Questions related to funding should be directed to spagrad@american.edu.
Student Profiles
Tyler
Tyler (BA 鈥23, MA 鈥25) is from Long Island, New York, and is a Double Eagle at SPA. He chose to continue his educational career at SPA because of its location and the esteemed faculty within the Department of Government. Tyler鈥檚 main interests are American Politics, Foreign and Domestic Affairs, and American History, which is why his favorite class, taught by Joseph Walsh, is 鈥淧residency and Executive Branch.鈥
When Tyler is not in the classroom, he is a Graduate Student Ambassador in the Office of Graduate Admissions, researching with a faculty member how West Wing has impacted society, a Civic Life Ambassador, and has published work in SPA鈥檚 Public Purpose Journal. Previously, he was a Student Associate for the Sine Institute of Policy and Politics. After graduation, he plans to work in either the executive or legislative branch of the government.
Sheridan
Sheridan is from Lansing, Michigan and is a first year Master of Public Administration (MPA) student with a concentration in Education Policy. Prior to this, she completed an undergraduate degree from Albion College in Albion, Michigan.
She chose SPA because of its location and reputation. Sheridan valued being not only within the US Capital but in the heart of government. Her main interest is education policy and how the K-12 public education system can be improved. Sheridan鈥檚 favorite class, taught by Karen Baehler, is 鈥淔oundations of Policy Analysis.鈥
When Sheridan is not in the classroom, she is a Graduate Student Ambassador in the Office of Graduate Admissions and Dr. Gershenson鈥檚 research assistant, where she researched education policy. Sheridan鈥檚 career goal is to run for office and serve as a public official.聽
Spencer
Spencer is from Gardendale, Alabama and is a second year Master of Public Administration (MPA) student with a customized concentration in Government Oversight. Prior to this, he achieved an undergraduate degree from The 青瓜视频 of Alabama.聽
He chose SPA because of its location in the epicenter of American government. Politics has been a passion Spencer鈥檚 for as long as he can remember, and getting the opportunity to learn at a prestigious university and work on the Hill concurrently attracted him to AU.
When Spencer is not in the classroom, he is a Graduate Student Ambassador in the Office of Graduate Admissions and interning on Capitol Hill. Last year, Spencer was the MPA representative for the School of Public Affairs Graduate Student Council. After graduation, he plans to go to law school and work as a prosecutor at a district attorney鈥檚 office and eventually run for office.聽
Kyla
Kyla is from Fairfield, Connecticut and is a first year Terrorism & Homeland Security Policy student. Prior to this, she achieved a bachelor's of science in Psychology from Johnson & Wales 青瓜视频 in Providence, Rhode Island. Kyla chose SPA because she wanted to focus on both hands-on experience and academic research. When Kyla is not in the classroom, she is a Graduate Student Ambassador in the Office of Graduate Admissions. Being in DC, Kyla feels that she can take advantage of both academic and professional opportunities. After graduation, she plans to work as an intelligence analyst.
Jackson
Jackson is from Bedminster, New Jersey and is a first year Political Science student with a concentration in American Politics. Prior to this, he achieved an undergraduate degree from Stetson 青瓜视频 in DeLand, Florida.
He chose SPA because he loves Washington D.C, American 青瓜视频鈥檚 campus, & SPA鈥檚 community. Jackson believes that being in the nation鈥檚 capital is the best place for his political science career. Jackson鈥檚 main interests are voting behavior, survey design, and internal party conflict, which is why his favorite class, taught by Joseph Walsh, is 鈥淧residency and Executive Branch.鈥
When Jackson is not in the classroom, he is a Graduate Admissions Assistant in the Office of Graduate Admissions. After graduation, he wants to pursue a career in the field of survey research and public opinion analysis.