When Robert (Zeke) Sarikas decided to return to school in his 70s, he wasn’t just pursuing a degree—he was chasing a new chapter in life. Enrolling in Indiana University’s O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs to earn a Master of Environmental Sustainability (MES), Sarikas exemplifies the power of lifelong learning and the drive to… Read more »
Master’s Education
O’Neill’s global reach: A student delegate’s experience at COP29
Written by Daniel Farrell, MPA-MIA candidate, December 2025 I recently returned from Baku, Azerbaijan, where the annual United Nations Conference of Parties (COP) concluded after two weeks of intense climate negotiations. This was COP29—the twenty-ninth meeting of what is often the largest international policy conference of any given year. The COP is administered by the… Read more »
O’Neill MPA student research used to secure $200K grant for California community
A small California town is better prepared for future floods thanks to the innovative research of three current and former MPA students at the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. While working on a final paper for their Climate Change Policy class, Jeff Adams, Tracy Luther, and Evan Fall dove into the… Read more »
Shaping Tomorrow: Celebrating First-Gen Leaders at IU’s O’Neill School
First-generation college students represent an important part of the Indiana University (IU) and O’Neill School community. Their experiences reflect the resilience, hard work, and determination it takes to navigate new academic paths and seize opportunities for success. This First-Gen Week, we’re spotlighting the stories of four outstanding first-gen O’Neill students who are shaping their future… Read more »
Empowering Bloomington: IU students research keys to unlocking nonprofit success
Understanding the keys to a thriving nonprofit is crucial—not only for academic insight but for building stronger, more connected communities. At Indiana University’s O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, students are diving into this challenge by engaging directly with nonprofits in the heart of Bloomington. Supported by AmeriCorps, the Observing Civic Engagement (OCE) project… Read more »
Sustainability in action: O’Neill students’ Costa Rica Summer Program experience
This past summer, a group of students from the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs embarked on an unforgettable 10-day journey through Costa Rica, immersing themselves in the country’s rich biodiversity and sustainability efforts. From hands-on experiences at local coffee farms and fisheries to eye-opening lessons on environmental policy, the trip offered students the… Read more »
MS in Healthcare Management students benefit from a week with Value Capture experts
Our MS in Healthcare Management graduate students recently had the privilege of attending a weeklong learning experience with Value Capture, a company founded by our school namesake, Paul H. O’Neill, with his son Paul O’Neill Jr. as a co-founding principal. Guided by the expert team of Lisa Beckwith, Vickie Pisowicz, and Shana Padgett, Value Capture… Read more »
From dreams to degrees: The inspiring journey of Alex Sanchez, first-generation college graduate
Born and raised in Hanover Park, Illinois, Alex Sanchez embarked on his college career in 2019 at the College of DuPage. Initially uncertain about his path, he dreamt of a career in healthcare to help others on a larger scale. Reflecting on his roots and his parents’ sacrifices as immigrants from Mexico, Sanchez felt a… Read more »
Nurturing roots: A student’s journey towards environmental sustainability
In the bustling world of academia, where every student strives to make a mark, there are those who go beyond the ordinary, driven by an unyielding passion for environmental sustainability. Meet Cailey Pietrzyk, a diligent student pursuing a dual master’s degree in public affairs and environmental science at O’Neill. Hailing from Tinley Park, Illinois, Pietrzyk’s… Read more »
Charting the green path: Kiryssa Kasprzyk’s journey from O’Neill to global leadership in climate policy and conservation
In a Zoom call, I had the pleasure of interviewing O’Neill alum Kiryssa Kasprzyk amidst a backdrop of lush tropical plants. I immediately resonated with her dedication to preserving tropical forests, seamlessly integrated into her urban life in D.C. On that brisk winter afternoon, the panoramic view of greenery, extending from floor to ceiling inside… Read more »