While many graduating seniors will be spending their final spring break on non-academic pursuits, Jane Wright will be putting the finishing touches on her honors thesis.
Wright, who studies policy analysis at O’Neill, has been invited to present her research at the annual conference of the American Society of Public Administration. On March 22, she’ll be joining a session on “Building Trust in Government: Citizens, Lawyers and Democratic Innovations,” moderated by Prof. Lisa Amsler, who is also her thesis advisor. Other presenters include O’Neill adjunct lecturer Terry Amsler and Matt Leighninger from the National Conference on Citizenship, where Wright is currently interning.
Wright’s thesis explores the relationship between direct democracy and trust in government. Specifically, she’s looking into whether states with ballot initiatives have citizens who are more trusting of their state elected officials and more trusting of elections.
“I really care about getting people civically engaged—helping people be involved in government, inspiring people to be involved in the public sector,” said Wright. “I think that’s so important.”
Wright’s interests in issues of democracy and governance are more than just academic; she hopes to build a career out of them. Last spring, through the Washington Leadership Program, she interned in D.C. with Rep. Frank J. Mrvan (IN-01), who represents her home district. She was inspired by the opportunity to observe the legislative process play out at a federal level while maintaining a connection to the community she grew up in. After completing her undergraduate degree, Wright plans to attend graduate school and return to D.C. to launch her career.
Wright is also the co-president of Women in Government at Indiana University, a student group for women who are interested in public service. She says she’s met some of her closest friends through the club while also developing valuable leadership experience.
Wright encourages her peers to get involved, whether it’s through O’Neill Honors or a group like Women in Government. “There’s so much to do,” says Wright. “You’ll find your people.”
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