Full Name: Chidi D. Nwuneli
Title and Organization: Grants & Contracts Specialist in the Criminal Justice Policy & Planning Division (CJPPD) at the Office of Policy & Management (OPM)
SPP Degree and Graduation Year: MPA, 2025
Chidi Nwuneli is a part-time second-year student in the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program. Before
joining the School of Public Policy (SPP), he graduated from Quinnipiac University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.
Currently Chidi serves as a Grants & Contracts Specialist in the Criminal Justice Policy & Planning Division (CJPPD) at the Office of Policy & Management (OPM). In this role, he oversees the allocation of $20M+ in Department of Justice (DOJ) funds that are dedicated to statewide initiatives in criminal justice. Chidi collaborates with diverse stakeholders who are committed to driving significant change across the state.
Previously Chidi participated in several state, municipal, and inter-municipal internship programs. In 2020 he was a Research Intern at the South-Central Regional Council of Governments (SCRCOG). From 2018 to 2020, Chidi served as a fellow in the Office of the Mayor of Hamden, and in 2018, he was a Legislative Intern for the then State Representative Brandon McGee.
Chidi notes, “after completing my MPA at SPP, I aspire to advance my career at the federal or international level.”
David B. Walker Award
The David B. Walker Award was established with a generous donation from Parashar Patel, MPA ‘91. This award is given annually to recognize a student in the program who exemplifies tireless dedication to public service. Ideally, the awardee would have an interest in Federalism.
This endowment honors David B. Walker, former director of the U.S. Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations and Director of UConn’s MPA program, who passed away in 2013. Dave dedicated his career to mentoring and supporting future leaders to influence government and politics to improve our country. This endowment, with the continued support of alumni, will ensure the MPA program can carry on Dave’s tradition of recognizing students who demonstrate that relentless dedication he always gave to each of his students.
Parashar Patel is ViewRay’s Senior Vice President, Government Affairs & Market Access. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, he leads global efforts to demonstrate the value of MRIdian and drive adoption of MRIdian in cancer treatment. Parashar has held a variety of roles at both the federal and state levels. Parashar holds a B.A. in Political Science and a Master of Public Affairs from the University of Connecticut.