For UConn School of Public Policy (SPP) Master of Public Policy (MPP) student Vanessa Reineke her love of public service began in high school. While taking AP economics she found a particular love for the public finance unit and learning about taxes, subsidies, public goods, and externalities. During sociology with the same teacher Vanessa saw the impact of policy on society. At Quinnipiac University she decided to study economics and sociology to enter the field, and her advisor helped her discover how to enter the field through the MPP.

Connecting with Director of Student and Academic Affairs and Director of Undergraduate Programs Catherine Guarino made an impact on Vanessa choosing SPP. She notes, “Catherine was such a welcoming presence during my outreach & program exploration phase of looking at graduate programs and held very candid conversations that made realize SPP was the place for me.” Since arriving in Hartford, Vanessa began a Research Assistant position with Professor Elizabeth Burland with projects pertaining to education and education funding. Vanessa explains,

Last semester we focused on the Connecticut ESSER APR (COVID-19 relief money) funding and the impact of capital expenditures. This semester, we have been analyzing Michigan’s Tuition Incentive Program (TIP) as Dr. Burland also works with the University of Michigan.

She also works as an Internship Program Assistant at the Connecticut General Assembly (CGA) and supports Angie Waszkiewicz with the management of 39 interns. Vanessa handles the administrative side of the program, and has the opportunity to sit in on intern trainings and learn more about the legislative process. Applying her SPP skills, Vanessa helps to set up job shadows with offices across the CGA. She adds, “I have [also] been utilizing the policy analysis skills I have learned to follow the budget process through Appropriations and the Office of Fiscal Management.” With the CGA Vanessa can apply concepts from the classroom to real-life.

Vanessa’s favorite SPP memories are in elective courses with Assistant Professor Christal Hamilton. In a class of about 15 she took PP 5303: Race and Public Policy, and had meaningful discourse with classmate about present and historical issues. She notes, “Professor Hamilton led the class so well and it really is one of my favorite classes I have taken in my collegiate career.” After graduation Vanessa is open to opportunities. She hopes that SPP and CGA will help guide her as she rounds out her first year. We wish Vanessa and the rest of our SPP huskies the best of luck with finals!