For students pursuing careers in public affairs, there’s no classroom quite like the nation’s capital. Through the O’Neill School’s D.C. Accelerator Program, Master of Public Affairs students spend either a semester or a full academic year in Washington, D.C., combining their second-year coursework with a meaningful internship experience. Students complete a mix of online and in-person classes, all taught by world-renowned O’Neill faculty, while interning at federal agencies, nonprofits, and other public service organizations across the city.
The D.C. Accelerator gives students the opportunity to build on their O’Neill education in one of the most influential cities in the world. It’s a launchpad for meaningful careers in public service. Students grow their professional networks by connecting with O’Neill alumni, industry leaders, and policy professionals working at every level of government, the nonprofit sector, and other public service organizations. They gain access to behind-the-scenes experiences and have a front-row seat to the policymaking process.
During their time in the program, students strengthen their résumés, expand their perspective, and build relationships that will support them long after they graduate.
Meet a few members of this year’s cohort and get to know who they are, what brought them to the program, and what they’re looking forward to as they prepare for this transformational experience in D.C.
Asrorbek Parpiev, MPA Candidate’26
“I’m an international student from Uzbekistan, currently pursuing a Master of Public Affairs with concentrations in Policy Analysis and Public Financial Administration. I’m passionate about data-driven policymaking and creating smart, practical solutions to public challenges. I’m excited to join the D.C. Accelerator Program and look forward to learning, connecting, and growing through this experience in the nation’s capital.”
Cheyenne Lee, MPA Candidate’26
“I’m a second-year MPA student concentrating in Community and Economic Development. As a first-generation college student from New Castle, Indiana, I’m passionate about advocating for affordable housing and eager to get involved in that work during my time in D.C. Outside of my professional goals, I’m also on a mission to visit every museum in the city!”
Jayvee Del Rosario, MPA Candidate’26
“I’m spending my final year in Washington, D.C., through the D.C. Accelerator Program, pursuing an MPA with concentrations in International Sustainable Development and Finance. Originally from the Philippines, my perspective has been shaped by academic and professional experiences across Asia, Europe, and the United States. With a background in banking and finance, I approach public affairs and international policy with a data-driven mindset and a strong commitment to sustainability and inclusive development. I’m currently interning with the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI), supporting global implementation of the Principles for Responsible Banking. I’ve also had the chance to take part in events like the World Bank Youth Summit, where my team was named a Top 6 Finalist in the Global Innovation Lab Case Competition. I’m passionate about advancing climate-resilient, equitable futures, and driving solutions that uplift underserved communities across the Global South.”
Kate Burnett, MPA-MSES Candidate’25
“I’m a second-year dual master’s student at the O’Neill School, earning degrees in Public Affairs and Environmental Science with a concentration in Energy and Climate Change Solutions. I’m excited to return to Washington, D.C., for the first time since eighth grade—this time to fully immerse myself in the world of policy, civic engagement, and environmental leadership. On my personal bucket list: visiting the National Gallery of Art and seeing the cherry blossoms in full bloom.”
I’m currently pursuing a Master of Public Affairs at Indiana University, with a concentration in Environmental Policy and Natural Resource Management. I’m especially interested in the intersection of environmental protection and human well-being, and I’m passionate about using economic-based rationale—such as Benefit Cost Analysis and Valuation methodology—to advocate for more just and sustainable policies. My previous experience includes data analysis and community engagement roles with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities in the Office of the Economist, the Gnarly Tree Sustainability Institute, and ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain. I’ve also studied abroad in Costa Rica and South Korea, where I focused on environmental policy, energy systems, and sustainable community development. These international experiences deepened my understanding of global sustainability strategies and strengthened my commitment to community-centered, data-driven environmental solutions.
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