O’Neill School – Bloomington

How Erin Mullin balanced career and growth to make real-world impact through IU’s Online MSHM Program

Posted on June 10, 2025 by Caroline Rourke

Healthcare is constantly evolving. To lead it well, professionals need more than passion—they need the right skills and support. That’s exactly what Indiana University’s Master of Science in Healthcare Management (MSHM) delivers.

Through a unique collaboration between two top-ranked schools: the Kelley School of Business and the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, the program equips students with business knowledge, public service leadership, and real-world application—offered in-person and also in a flexible online format.

For Online MSHM student Erin Mullin, who works in human resources at a rural critical access hospital, it was the direct connection between the coursework and her day-to-day responsibilities that made the program stand out.

“I was looking for courses and a curriculum that really tied into what I was doing,” Mullin said. “As I looked through what the program offered, I saw classes I could apply in real time.”

A curriculum designed for real impact

The MSHM curriculum is built to address the challenges of today’s healthcare systems, blending leadership, finance, operations, and policy. Courses are designed to help students build the tools they need to guide teams, make data-driven decisions, and improve patient-centered care.

“If you have that heart for healthcare, this is the place to build leadership skills and learn how to lead the people who are serving our patients directly,” Mullin said.

Mullin found that the content often connected directly to what her organization was facing.

“We did a project on mobilizing a vaccination clinic, which completely tied to what I do right now. I was able to take the feedback and findings back to my hospital team and use them to help make decisions on big projects. It was really helpful.”

Flexibility that doesn’t feel distant

One of the program’s greatest strengths is its online delivery—ideal for working professionals who need flexibility but still want connection. Students collaborate with peers and faculty in a format designed to feel personal, even from a distance.

“My biggest fear was feeling disconnected, but I haven’t felt that at all,” Mullin said. “You meet your cohort right away, and the professors are incredibly supportive. They really want you to succeed, and they’re flexible if life things come up.”

Professors offer consistent office hours, and many courses blend live sessions with recorded content, letting students manage their learning around busy schedules.

“It’s built for people who have a lot going on. I found myself really liking the content, so it didn’t just feel like school. I felt like I was doing something that mattered for me and for my organization.”

A community that invests in you

Beyond the coursework, the MSHM program supports students through personal mentorship, career coaching, and a capstone experience that’s deeply tied to real-world healthcare challenges. For Mullin, this meant getting guidance not only from professors, but also from a preceptor who became a long-term mentor.

“We spent so much time together during the capstone, and I really learned a lot and was able to bounce ideas off her—even outside the project. She’s someone I know I’ll keep reaching out to beyond the program, and that relationship has been incredibly valuable.”

Built for where you are in life—and where you want to go

Whether you’re already in healthcare or looking to move into a leadership role within the field, the MSHM program is designed to meet you where you are. The online format allows you to study from anywhere, at your own pace, with structured support every step of the way.

“If you’re considering the program and you’re waiting for the right time, or you think you’re not ready or don’t have time, don’t let that stop you. Life is always happening, so pick a date, jump in, and get started. You won’t regret it, and you’ll love every minute of it.”

Learn more about the Online MSHM program and how it can fit into your career journey here.

Essential Skills for Essential Resources: Joshua Stockton, BSPA’24, Keeps Our Water Safe

Posted on May 21, 2025 by Caroline Rourke

Joshua Stockton, BSPA’24, working for City of Bloominton’s water treatment plant.

With a background in environmental management from the O’Neill School, Joshua Stockton, BSPA’24, found a role that aligns with his interests and the growing demand for water professionals. Today, he’s working at the City of Bloomington’s water treatment plant, applying what he learned in the classroom to protect one of the state’s most essential resources.

“I became interested in this position as it allows me to further my education, provides a network of local professionals in city government, and is a position of high demand in Indiana and across the nation.”

In addition to building his career in Bloomington, Stockton is thinking long-term. He hopes to someday use the skills he’s developing now to make an impact in his hometown.

“This role also provides lab and sampling training which are skills that I can transfer to my focus of developing a watershed working group in my hometown.”

He credits his coursework at the O’Neill School with laying the foundation for his current work. As an environmental management major, Stockton gained experience across both the scientific and policy sides of environmental issues, along with the flexibility to explore different areas within the field.

“My experience at the O’Neill School enabled me to garner experience in a vast array of public policy and environmental sciences, including water resources. While attending, I completed a water resources course taught by a local water plant operator. Little did I know I would eventually have the same role at another plant.”

Stockton working in the field.

Gaining Experience Beyond the Classroom

Hands-on learning was a defining part of his academic experience. One opportunity took him far from campus to the island of Bonaire as part of O’Neill’s international program in the Caribbean.

“The Caribbean O’Neill International program taught by Professor Stephen ‘Chip’ Glaholt changed my life. I got to travel to the island of Bonaire with 11 other students and made lifelong connections with them. I developed my own research project, snorkeled every day, and memorized over 100 fish and 30 invertebrate species.”

The trip helped him connect the dots between global environmental issues and the work he wanted to do back home.

“Experiencing some of the cleanest ocean water with vibrant life reminded me of the importance of water resources back home and mobilized me to make a positive impact in my own community.”

Other experiences brought environmental work closer to home. A wetlands course gave him a realistic sense of the day-to-day challenges and rewards of working in the field.

“Wetlands Ecology and Management allowed me to conduct a delineation of a nearby wetland, as well as develop my wetland plant identification skills. This is a course that allows students to get out in the field to get covered in dirt and muck. Every environmental student at O’Neill should take at least one of these types of courses. The course conjured many laughs and exhibited real scenarios of the working world.”

Reflecting on his journey so far, Stockton encourages current students to take ownership of their learning and invest in developing real, transferable skills.

“Don’t downplay your own abilities and really challenge and apply yourself. Develop hard skills, whether that is in chemistry, bio sampling, or data collection and entry—especially if you plan to work in environmental affairs.”

O’Neill faculty honored for excellence in research and teaching

Posted on May 19, 2025 by Tracey Theriault

From top left, Tara Ali, Matthew Baggetta, Doug Booher, Scott Burgins, Julie Carmichael, Seth Freedman, Karen Gahl-Mills, John Karaagac, Chris Kohler, Laura Littlepage, Brian Richardson, Glen Salmon, Jennifer Silva, Marta Venier, Dennis Vera, Landon Yoder

Sixteen faculty members at the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs have been recognized by Indiana University for their outstanding contributions throughout the 2024–25 academic year, earning awards for excellence in research and teaching.

Venier receives Outstanding Junior Faculty Award

Assistant Professor Marta Venier has been named a 2024–25 recipient of IU’s Outstanding Junior Faculty Award. This award supports promising early-career faculty who have not yet earned tenure, providing resources to help further develop their research or creative activities.

Yoder named Janet Duey Professor of Rural Land Policy

Assistant Professor Landon Yoder has been named the Janet Duey Professor of Rural Land Policy. This endowed professorship honors a scholar whose teaching and research reflect a deep commitment to rural land preservation, including initiatives related to land reclamation, water policy, and rural development.

Six O’Neill faculty members earn Trustees Teaching Award

Six faculty members have been selected for the 2025 Trustees Teaching Award, which recognizes instructors who have demonstrated exceptional teaching and a strong impact on student learning, particularly at the undergraduate level.

Matthew Baggetta, Associate Professor
Scott Burgins, Clinical Assistant Professor
Seth Freedman, Associate Professor
John Karaagac, Senior Lecturer
Marta Venier, Assistant Professor
Landon Yoder, Assistant Professor

Ten faculty members earn O’Neill Teaching Awards

The O’Neill School also recognized 10 faculty members for their teaching excellence.

O’Neill Graduate Teaching Award
- Karen Gahl-Mills, Professor of Practice
- Laura Littlepage, Clinical Professor
- Jennifer Silva, Associate Professor
O’Neill Undergraduate Teaching Award
- Tara Ali, Lecturer
- Julie Carmichael, Lecturer
Adjunct Teaching Award
- Doug Booher, Adjunct Instructor
- Chris Kohler, Adjunct Instructor
- Brian Richardson, Adjunct Instructor
- Glen Salmon, Adjunct Instructor
Associate Instructor Teaching Award
- Dennis Vera, Associate Instructor

O’Neill Experiential Learning Fund offers students valuable opportunities outside the classroom

Posted on May 16, 2025 by ebatman

Six students and one professor in professional attire stand smiling in front of a screen displaying a sign advertising the Big Ten Democracy Summit. — The O’Neill Experiential Learning Fund enabled six undergraduate students to travel to Maryland for the Big Ten Democracy Summit with Prof. Paul Helmke.

Thanks to generous donors, O’Neill students on both the Bloomington and Indianapolis campuses can get financial support for hands-on learning opportunities outside the classroom. The O’Neill Experiential Learning Fund is a vital resource to enhance students’ academic and professional development. Whether through internships, conferences, or other experiential learning programs, the fund helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application.

Bloomington students explore democracy in action

In February, six undergraduate students traveled from Bloomington to the University of Maryland to represent the O’Neill School at the first-ever Big Ten Democracy Summit. Their travel was made possible by the O’Neill Experiential Learning Fund.

All the students who attended were current or previous participants in IU’s Civic Leaders Center (CLC), a living-learning community for first-year undergraduates. They were accompanied to the summit by Prof. Paul Helmke, who directs the CLC.

“I’ve been discussing civic engagement with these students since their first years on campus, but participating in this summit together allowed them to explore the challenges of preserving our democracy in a fresh and exciting way with prominent speakers and students from across the country,” said Helmke.

One of the highlights of the summit was the opportunity for students to engage in real-world legislative debates through a policy simulation. The students assumed the role of senators or congressional representatives to debate a proposed bill and explored the conversations—and compromises—legislative action requires. The hands-on experience allowed students to understand the intricacies of policy-making and the importance of working across party lines to achieve common goals.

“It illustrated, through a real bill, the necessity of bipartisan collaboration—an essential skill for addressing complex societal issues,” said law and public policy major Noah Bootcheck. “These conversations have inspired me to think creatively about how I can apply what I’ve learned to my studies, my work on IU’s campus, and my career beyond graduation.”

In addition to the policy simulation, the summit featured breakout sessions on civic engagement, higher education, and a keynote on strategies for countering disinformation. The students had the chance to engage with experts, ask questions, and gain a deeper understanding of the issues.

New paid internship opportunity in Indianapolis

Students in Indianapolis will also benefit from the O’Neill Experiential Learning Fund. In an exciting new development, a regional development agency approached the O’Neill School to create a work-learn opportunity. This initiative will allow an O’Neill student to join their organization one day a week throughout a semester. Through this experience, the student will meet local officials and business leaders while gaining professional experience by performing agency tasks.

Thanks to the experiential learning fund, this opportunity will be a paid internship, enabling students—who might otherwise need to work outside of class—to learn while they earn.

Your support makes a difference

From national summits to community-based internships, the O’Neill Experiential Learning Fund empowers students to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world issues. These experiences prepare them to lead, serve, and make meaningful change.

Learn how you can support students learning outside-the-classroom through the O’Neill Experiential Learning Fund by give.myiu.org.

Future arts leader Lucia Walker hits all the high notes at O’Neill

Posted on May 15, 2025 by Caroline Rourke

Lucia Walker, BSAM’25

Lucia Walker, BSAM’25, didn’t have to look far to find inspiration for her college journey. Growing up in Bloomington, surrounded by the arts, community service, and Indiana University’s vibrant energy, she found a natural home at the O’Neill School. She began her time at IU as a Lilly Endowment Community Scholar, a highly competitive award recognizing academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to community. Over the past four years, as an honors student and emerging arts professional, Walker made the most of every opportunity—performing on stages from Bloomington to New York, interning with arts organizations, studying abroad in Rome, and building a future in arts management rooted in purpose and passion.

While she carved her own path at IU, Walker also followed in the footsteps of her parents. Her mom, Maria Walker, received a Master of Music in Voice from the Jacobs School of Music at IU, while her dad, Ron Walker, earned his Master of Public Affairs from O’Neill (formerly known as SPEA) in 1996.

“My dad is actually an O’Neill MPA alum. I grew up hearing about SPEA and this amazing experience he’d had here.”

Walker’s Bloomington roots played a powerful role in shaping both her worldview and her goals. Surrounded by creativity, community engagement, and a strong sense of place, she developed an early understanding of how the arts and public service can intersect to make a difference.

Walker celebrates graduation with her parents.

“I’ve grown up here, so I’ve been super fortunate to benefit from this culturally rich city in the middle of Indiana, and that’s really shaped how I see myself, how I see the world around me, and the sort of impact I want to make.”

Walker stayed actively involved in the arts throughout her time at IU. She performed with the Singing Hoosiers, blending her academic and creative interests in meaningful ways.

“I’m a member of the Singing Hoosiers, and that’s been a really great way for me to hear about what other students are accomplishing and pursuing on campus, and to get an appreciation for O’Neill’s role in this larger ecosystem.”

That experience led to one of her favorite memories as a student. During her sophomore year, she joined the group on a northeast tour that ended with a performance in one of the world’s most iconic places: New York City.

“To say that I made my New York City debut as a college student is pretty fun and was a really fantastic bonding opportunity with the ensemble as well. There have been a lot of times where I’m in the moment, living it, and I’m like, ‘I can’t believe that I get to do this as an undergrad and as a young person just launching a career.’”

Walker’s time at O’Neill opened the door to opportunities that took her far beyond the classroom. She spent a semester in Rome, diving into European art, culture, and community. Back in the U.S., she brought that global perspective back to her internships in Bloomington, in Indianapolis with the Indiana Arts Commission, and at Spoleto Festival USA, a music festival in Charleston. Each one gave her a chance to grow professionally and see the impact of arts management up close.

She also played a key role on campus, serving as a student coordinator for O’Neill’s graduate arts administration practicum.

“I think that working and participating in internships while attending O’Neill has been one of the most valuable pieces of my college education. Not only do my courses inform the work that I’m doing on the job, but I’m taking my work experience right back into the classroom. I can ask my professor, ‘What would you do in this situation? How would you tackle this?’ It makes for good discussion. That has been something that I’ve really appreciated in my courses at O’Neill, because so many students here are undergoing interesting experiential learning outside of the classroom, and that creates an environment of a lot of enrichment and interesting conversations.”

Walker at the Eskenazi Museum of Art.

In her final year at IU, Walker was recognized with the prestigious Kate Hevner Mueller Senior Award for her demonstrated leadership and lasting impact on the IU community. But her journey is far from over. After graduation, Walker will intern with the IU Foundation on the development team for the Eskenazi Museum of Art before taking the next step in her education.

“I’m attending graduate school in the fall, in arts administration and business because I feel that I have this fantastic foundation that I built here at O’Neill, and I’m eager to continue pursuing that.”

From her first performance to her final internship, Walker embraced every opportunity to grow as a leader and arts professional. Her path has been defined by purpose, passion, and a commitment to lead for the greater good. She leaves O’Neill ready to make an impact wherever her journey takes her. Congratulations, Lucia!

How the O’Neill Leadership Program Turned a Passion for Service into a Career

Posted on April 17, 2025 by Caroline Rourke

Michaela Hylton, BSPA’22

At the O’Neill School, learning goes beyond the classroom. For Michaela Hylton, BSPA’22, the O’Neill Leadership Program (OLP) was where everything clicked.

The competitive program connects students with real-world leadership opportunities in the community, pairing them with mission-driven organizations and giving them the tools to lead. For Hylton, OLP wasn’t just a resume-builder—it was the most transformative part of her undergraduate experience.

“More than any other piece of my education, this program showed me how to navigate real life challenges in the workplace and beyond.”

Hylton was placed with Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of South Central Indiana, a nonprofit she already knew well. She’d been matched with a mentor herself a decade earlier–an experience that left a lasting impact.

“Ten years ago, I was matched with a mentor of my own. Her presence in my life widened my view of the world and changed my life in ways I can’t even put to words.”

Returning to the organization as an OLP intern brought everything full circle. Hylton got hands-on experience helping lead community programming and supporting youth mentorship efforts.

“I loved having a hand in the programming that brought lifechanging mentorship to kids in the community. I knew I wanted to serve my community, and my BBBS internship showed me just how passionate I am about providing 1:1 mentorship opportunity to young people.”

Hylton joined the program during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought plenty of uncertainty. She credits the structure and support of OLP with helping her navigate the professional world during a time when everything felt unstable.

“In-person interactions were limited, everything was changing constantly, and it got really tough at times. The structure and support of the O’Neill Leadership Program helped me stay grounded and grow through it.”

Today, Hylton is starting her career at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana in a full-time role as their Corporate Giving and Events Coordinator. For her, it’s not just a job—it’s a dream that began with a mentor and was made possible through OLP.

“As a kid, I looked up to people in positions like mine and dreamt of being able to provide the experience to others. Now, I’m most excited to be able to contribute to the 1:1 mentorship of youth in my community.”

Her advice to students considering the O’Neill Leadership Program is simple but meaningful. Hylton says the most valuable part of the experience wasn’t just the professional development or resume boost. It was the people she met and the relationships she built along the way.

“Make connections. Deeper than networking, connecting with the people around you will ultimately be the best investment you can make in life. Through OLP, you’ll be in the perfect position to make those lasting connections.”

Connecting Communities with Capital, Alumna Stephanie (Sievers) Barrett Builds Meaningful Career in Affordable Housing Finance

Posted on April 14, 2025 by Caroline Rourke

Stephanie Barrett, BSPA’94

When Stephanie Barrett, BSPA’94 graduated from Indiana University with a degree from what’s now the O’Neill School, she didn’t know her path would eventually lead to helping thousands of people find a safe, stable place to call home. But with a passion for community and a sharp eye for finance, she carved out a career that blends impact and innovation.

Now a Senior Loan Officer at Enterprise Community Loan Fund, Barrett spends her days working with developers, community leaders, and mission-driven partners to make affordable housing a reality in neighborhoods across the country. Her journey is one marked by purpose, adaptability, and a deep commitment to doing work that matters.

Navigating a Multifaceted Career Journey

“The great thing about a SPEA degree is that there are multiple directions students can go in terms of what areas of focus they can pursue in their careers. In my 20’s, my SPEA degree allowed me to grow at a non-profit community development corporation, public government agency and private sector consulting work all related to what I studied at IU,” Barrett said.

In her 30s, a move to San Diego prompted her to pause and reflect on what she truly wanted out of her career. After exploring her options and conducting a series of informational interviews, she discovered a drive to be more directly involved in project implementation and joined a national bank’s Community Development Banking Group. She spent nearly two decades there, helping finance affordable housing and community development projects for low-income communities—work that she found both professionally rewarding and personally fulfilling.

“I really liked being a part of making something happen, watching a building being built or renovated and seeing people secure a stable home or livable wage employment,” she said.

During the pandemic, she felt the need for change, and in 2021, she joined Enterprise Community Loan Fund, where she continues to connect capital to communities and support meaningful, people-centered development.

“I know I am where I belong as I get to work with good people on meaningful and impactful projects which makes me happy.”

Barrett is inspired by the real-world outcomes of her work and the collaborative effort behind each affordable housing project. She brings together people, resources, and ideas to help create lasting change.

“I am a houser at heart, and working in an industry filled with fellow like-minded and talented people on cool projects is very motivating,” she says. “While I am not the reason affordable housing gets built, I like being able to play a part in the often-complicated process of pulling together a capital stack that helps seniors, veterans, farmworkers, individuals, and families be able to call a safe and stable place home.”

Advice for building a fulfilling career

For current O’Neill students or recent grads navigating their own next steps, Barrett encourages leaning into hands-on learning opportunities and staying connected to their values.

“While at SPEA, I was assigned a case study in one of my classes. I knew after graduation that I wanted to move to Chicago, so I picked to profile Bethel New Life, a community-based organization on Chicago’s West Side focused on serving those in need. That experience helped me connect to my future city and career path.”

She also encourages students to explore their strengths, push their boundaries, and stay grounded in who they are.

“There’s a difference between being good at something and being great at something. The roles where I’ve felt most fulfilled are the ones where I’m using my strengths and showing up as my best self,” she said.

Looking back, Barrett is grateful for the education and support she received at IU and the O’Neill School. It gave her the confidence to explore, evolve, and lead with purpose.

“The groundwork SPEA laid for me will always be near and dear to my heart and to my success. I am forever grateful for my experiences at IU and in this program.”

Stephanie Barrett’s journey highlights the powerful impact O’Neill School graduates can have when they combine their education with a commitment to service—leading change, building community, and improving lives.

Building Global Careers: MIA Students Gain International Experience in Armenia

Posted on April 7, 2025 by Caroline Rourke

MIA student Oluwanifemi Adekoya at Lake Sevan in Armenia.

For students pursuing a Master of International Affairs (MIA), offered jointly by the top-ranked O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs and the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies, hands-on international experience is essential in preparing for careers in global policy, diplomacy, and development. Through the Armenia Capstone Program, participating MIA students have the chance to step beyond the classroom and engage in meaningful, high-impact work on an international stage.

During the trip, students collaborated with the UNDP Armenia SDG Innovation Lab, in the framework of the project “Democratic Institutions and Participatory Policies in Armenia” financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. They met with UN officials, OGP Coordinator and Participatory Governance focal point from the Prime Minister’s Office, which is the key national stakeholder of the project, two parliamentarians, and young policymakers (ages 13-29) while also immersing themselves in Armenia’s rich cultural and historical landscape.

This collaboration was made possible by UNDP Armenia SDG Innovation Lab and O’Neill MIA’23 alum Syuzanna Martirosyan, now a project analyst in behavior change, who played a key role in bringing the initiative to life, under the guidance of Nayiri Shorjian who coordinates Innovative and Participatory Policymaking projects at UNDP Armenia SDG Innovation Lab.

“As a Fulbright scholar at O’Neill, this initiative holds profound significance for me—not only as an opportunity to give back to IU but also as a bridge connecting my school with Armenia, fostering knowledge exchange and cross-cultural dialogue,” Martirosyan said.

Oluwanifemi Adekoya, an MIA student in the most recent Armenia Capstone cohort, found that the experience challenged her assumptions about policymaking, tested her adaptability, and expanded her professional network in international affairs.

“I thought it would be amazing to be able to apply a lot of what I’ve been learning over the past two years into an international-style program. I hope to work internationally, and this was the perfect opportunity to build that real-world experience,” Adekoya said.

A hands-on approach to policy change

The Armenia Capstone Program, led by Associate Professor Jennifer Brass, is designed to expose students to real-world policy implementation in a global setting. The project focuses on shifting Armenia’s policymaking from a top-down to a bottom-up approach, ensuring that policies are informed by local perspectives and citizen engagement.

For Adekoya, this was an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to a live policy challenge. The student team worked on gathering baseline data, conducting pre- and post-surveys, and engaging with Armenian government officials to assess how citizen participation can strengthen governance.

“We were the beginning, baseline evaluation of a very long project. It’s a 10-year initiative involving the Armenian Prime Minister’s Office and the United Nations Development Program, and we came in at a crucial time, helping to establish the foundation for future policy assessments,” Adekoya said.

Martirosyan, who played a mentorship role in the capstone, found working with the students deeply fulfilling.

“I was particularly gratified to work with the students, guiding them and inspiring them to pursue careers they truly desire—just as I stood in their shoes merely a year ago, navigating similar decisions and aspirations,” Martirosyan said.

Navigating global work

One of the biggest takeaways from the program was learning to navigate the complexities of international policy work—including bureaucratic processes, shifting deadlines, and cultural differences. Flexibility was key to being successful in global development.

“From the beginning, it felt like we were starting on a solid foundation, but every other week, something new was thrown at us. That experience of working with real-world organizations, facing unexpected challenges, and still pushing forward is something you just can’t learn from a textbook,” Adekoya said.

Adekoya emphasized how adapting to a dynamic policy environment was one of the most valuable lessons of the experience. While the program provided a strong foundation, the hands-on work with international organizations illustrated real-world policymaking in motion, revealing how agility and problem-solving are essential.

“You could lose funding, your donor could drop out, or you might need to go through a million extra steps just to get to where you want to go. Watching the professionals at the UNDP Innovation Lab handle these challenges with such grace taught me so much about what it takes to work in this field,” Adekoya said.

For Martirosyan, seeing the project move from an ambitious idea to reality was a defining experience.

“When I first conceived this idea and pitched it to our lab lead and professor Jennifer Brass, it felt almost unbelievable and aspirational—its realization seemed uncertain. Yet, in retrospect, witnessing it come to fruition has been one of the defining highlights of my time at the UNDP SDG Innovation Lab,” Martirosyan said.

Building professional connections

Beyond the hands-on policy work, the Armenia Capstone Program provided unparalleled networking opportunities with major international organizations and government leaders. One of the standout experiences was meeting Armenia’s Youth Parliament, where high school and college students actively participate in policymaking.

“We got to sit in a room with members of the Youth Parliament, who were talking directly with members of Armenia’s government. It was amazing to see how young people were engaging with real policy decisions—something I had never seen before,” Adekoya said.

Martirosyan, who served as a cultural and professional bridge between the students and Armenia, highlighted the importance of global exposure in shaping future policymakers.

“It is quite possible that many of the capstone students had never encountered Armenia before, and I was delighted that they not only traveled there but also gained firsthand insights into our culture, governance systems, and policy landscape,” Martirosyan said.

In addition to government officials, the students also connected with leaders at the UNDP, the Prime Minister’s liaison, and other influential figures in international policy.

“I can’t imagine another experience where I would have had the chance to sit in meetings with top UNDP leaders and actually contribute to a policy initiative at the national level,” Adekoya said.

For MIA students like Adekoya, programs like this aren’t just an addition to their academic experience—they are a launchpad for impactful international careers.

“I’ve always wanted to work in international development, and this experience gave me a clear picture of what that actually looks like,” Adekoya said. “It confirmed that I’m on the right path.”

Global opportunities available to O’Neill students

The Armenia Capstone Program exemplifies the kind of immersive, real-world experiences that make the program so valuable. It provides students with:

Exposure to international policymaking and development challenges
Hands-on experience in data collection, analysis, and policy evaluation
Opportunities to engage with high-level government officials and international organizations
Real-time problem-solving skills in a dynamic, cross-cultural environment

If you’re interested in joining our MIA program, learn more here. Our fall application deadline is May 1.

O’Neill School researchers share insights at MPSA Conference

Posted on April 3, 2025 by Tracey Theriault

O’Neill School faculty with research presented at the 2025 Midwest Political Science Association Conference include Claudia Avellaneda, Matthew Baggetta, Jennifer Brass, Brad Fulton, David Konisky, Temirlan Moldogaziev, Courtney Page-Tan, Sanghee Park, Thomas Rabovsky, Amanda Rutherford, Jill Nicholson-Crotty, and Sean Nicholson-Crotty.

The Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs will have a strong presence of researchers at the 82nd annual Midwest Political Science Association Conference April 3-6 at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago.

Researchers from the O’Neill School will present their latest findings and engage in discussions on a wide array of topics that are pivotal to the fields of political science and public affairs. O’Neill School faculty and students will take part in more than 15 panels on all four days of the event.

Associate Professor Amanda Rutherford will complete her term as the Midwest Public Administration Caucus president at the MPSA Conference, where she also serves as the public administration section chair.

The MPSA Conference provides a platform for O’Neill School researchers to showcase their work, network with other experts, and contribute to the ongoing discourse in public affairs. For more information about the MPSA Conference, including information about where to see O’Neill School presentations, visit the conference website.

Deslatte, Berg present at ASPA Conference

Posted on March 28, 2025 by Ken Bikoff

ASPA Conferece 2025 was held March 28-April 1.

Associate Professor Aaron Deslatte, Clinical Associate Professor Mitch Berg, and three Ph.D. students from the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs will present their research during the Deil Write Symposium at the American Society of Public Administrators Conference in Washington, D.C., March 28.

Berg will be joined by Jessica Burghart from the Haskell Indian Nations University to present “Tribal Self-Determination and Intergovernmental Partnerships” during the Implications of Federal Spending Programs for Policy Implementation panel. Deslatte and Ph.D. students Jeff Adams, Juwon Chung, and Yunchen Zhu will present “Building Knowledge Infrastructure Systems Through University-Supported Climate Collectives” as part of the same panel. Deslatte and his group will be joined by Heather Navarro of the Midwest Climate Collaborative at Washington University.

The American Society for Public Administration is the leading professional membership association for public service. Its members include federal, state, and local government employees; researchers and scholars; students; nonprofit professionals; and others committed to advancing public service excellence in the United States and around the world.

The premier professional development event of the year for those who practice, teach, or study public administration, ASPA’s Annual Conference is the only space in the profession that brings together experts for in-depth conversations, research presentations, workshops, networking, and more.

The 2025 conference features 150 panels across six tracks examining this year’s theme, “Not Robots Yet: Keeping Public Servants in Public Service.” The ASPA Annual Conference will run through April 1.