Who or what inspired you to enter public service?

My parents were absolutely my inspiration to go into public service. They both served in the U.S. Navy and modeled for me the importance of getting involved and making sure your voice is heard—they were always getting into good trouble (to borrow the phrase). I always knew I wanted to do something with government and double-majored in political science, but when I discovered public administration, I thought—that! That is what I want to do. This is where you can make change.

What is your favorite class you have ever taught or taken, and why?

Asking me to pick the favorite class I teach is like choosing your favorite child. That being said, as I get older, I am really enjoying teaching our undergraduates—hopefully getting them inspired to go into public service. I teach a course called Advocacy and Social Change, where the students have to map a cause and understand all the actors and organizations involved. The first time I taught it, one of my students told me she found her passion and knew what she wanted to do now for a living. This student just graduated and is going into that field, which made me cry when she told me (in a good way). These are the kind of comments that make all the grading worth it.

What advice would you give to those interested in pursuing public policy or public administration as a career?

There are so many ways to make a difference, so you can definitely find a place for yourself where you fit. What is wonderful and so rewarding at the end of the day is to know that your chosen profession is about trying to improve the world around you. Figure out what your passion is—a particular policy area, budgeting, data analysis—and then explore opportunities to see what this looks like in practice. But always keep the public interest centered in what you do—that is why we are here. Also—acknowledging my bias as one who studies this area-build your human resource management skills. People are the engine that make government work.

What is your favorite cuisine?

I am a huge foodie and always like to try something new; my friends know they can count on me to do the research and make the dinner reservations for us at conferences. But if I had to choose, I would have to say Mexican food. I studied abroad in Mexico in college and fell in love with the country, the people, and—maybe most importantly—the food. My next dream trip is a cooking vacation there to learn from the best.

What was your dream job as a child?

I am not going to lie—I was a bit of a strange child. My two dream jobs were either Director of the Central Intelligence Agency or a revolutionary. What can I say? It was the 80s and my parents let me watch a lot of spy thrillers.