Patricia China

Research Assistant

School of Public Policy

Current Program:
UConn Master of Public Policy

Undergrad Institution:
University of Rhode Island

Undergrad Major:
International Studies, Spanish

Hometown:
Johnston, RI

Patricia China is a first generation Peruvian American from the state of Rhode Island. She graduated from The International Studies and Diplomacy program at the University of Rhode Island earning her B.A. in International Studies and B.A. in Spanish. Supported by The U.S. Department of State’s Gilman International Scholarship and the Demers foreign language scholarship, Patricia studied in Granada, Spain for the 2024-25 academic year as part of the Academic Programs International’s Spanish Language and Cultures for Advanced Speakers. She is currently pursuing a Master of Public Policy here at the University of Connecticut and is a Graduate Assistant within the School of Public Policy.

Her academic interest centers on examining how public policy shapes economic development and trade, and how those macro level decisions translate into real outcomes for families and communities. She is particularly interested in the intersection between economic policy and social equity in which decisions about markets and labor directly influence household stability and public trust.

Through the program, she would like to deepen her ability to evaluate and improve policies affecting historically underrepresented communities. Her commitment to leadership and public service transcends into her daily interactions. She intends to become a policy professional who not only designs effective solutions, but ensures they are accessible and grounded in the realities of the people they are meant to serve.

In her free time, Patricia enjoys watching historical documentaries, playing volleyball, and loves to dance, especially salsa. She also loves to travel to different countries and enjoys trying new things.