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Chat with a Current Student
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’s 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 ’23, MA ’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’s main interests are American Politics, Foreign and Domestic Affairs, and American History, which is why his favorite class, taught by Joseph Walsh, is “Presidency and Executive Branch.”
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’s 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’s favorite class, taught by Karen Baehler, is “Foundations of Policy Analysis.”
When Sheridan is not in the classroom, she is a Graduate Student Ambassador in the Office of Graduate Admissions and Dr. Gershenson’s research assistant, where she researched education policy. Sheridan’s career goal is to run for office and serve as a public official.Â
Lauren
Lauren is from Palm Beach, Florida and is a first year Master of Public Administration (MPA) student with a concentration in Applied Politics. Prior, she completed an undergraduate degree from George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
She chose SPA because she felt such a strong sense of community and support when she visited campus. SPA is offering her a solid foundation of applied and relevant skills, as well as a far-reaching network that she shares would be hard to find elsewhere. Lauren’s main interest is gender and how it relates to leadership and law. Her favorite class so far has been “Leadership in a Changing Workplace” taught by Scott Bass.
When Lauren is not in the classroom, she is a Graduate Admissions Assistant in the Office of Graduate Admissions and is also a Certificate Candidate in The Women & Politics Institute. Lauren’s career goal is to lead in the public sector and ensure women are represented and protected within policy and healthcare.
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 University of Alabama.Â
He chose SPA because of its location in the epicenter of American government. Politics has been a passion Spencer’s 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’s office and eventually run for office.Â
Kyla
Kyla is from Norwalk, Connecticut and is a first year Justice, Law and Criminology student. Prior to this, she achieved an undergraduate degree from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Connecticut. She chose SPA because she wanted to focus both on experience and 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 analyst.Â
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 University in DeLand, Florida.
He chose SPA because he loves Washington D.C, American University’s campus, & SPA’s community. Jackson believes that being in the nation’s capital is the best place for his political science career. Jackson’s main interests are voting behavior, survey design, and internal party conflict, which is why his favorite class, taught by Joseph Walsh, is “Presidency and Executive Branch.”
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.