Olivia Dickson

Research Assistant

School of Public Policy

Current Program:
UConn Master of Public Administration

Undergrad Institution:
University of Connecticut

Undergrad Major:
Cognitive Science

Hometown:
Glastonbury, CT

Hi, my name is Olivia Dickson and I recently graduated May 2026 from UConn Storrs with a B.A. in Cognitive Science and minors in Environmental Studies and Anthropology. I am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Public Administration at UConn Hartford through the Fast-Track program. I work in the OneStop office on the Storrs campus and as the Content Coordinator for the School of Public Policy.

When I first entered college, I had no idea what career path I wanted to pursue. That changed when I found Cognitive Science, an interdisciplinary major combining subjects such as computer science, psychology, linguistics, philosophy and anthropology. It focuses on understanding how and why people think, behave, interact, and experience the world the way they do. This interdisciplinary perspective has influenced my interest in Public Administration and public service by encouraging me to approach problems from multiple perspectives and think creatively about potential solutions.

After completing my graduate degree, I hope to work in the nonprofit sector in a creative and innovative role, whether that involves developing creative approaches to problems or working in communications and marketing. I am passionate about environmental policy and mental health. Recently, through a Fashion Policy elective course, I became interested in researching greenwashing and the ways marketing and consumer perception can influence environmental decision-making.