Over 1,000 students have graduated from the Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program since its inception in 1969. We currently are home to approximately 120 students who are pursuing a wide range of interests, but who share our commitment to public service and public policy and management education. The following are some profiles of current students and recent alumni to give prospective students and others a sense of the diversity and high-level of talent within the MPA Program student body.
Marlishia Aho (Current Student)
Marlishia Aho attends classes both on-campus and online and works for 1199 SEIU, United Healthcare Workers East as a Communications Specialist.
Why did you choose Northeastern University for your graduate studies?
Choosing Northeastern University was an easy decision. The caliber of the teaching and administrative staff, the flexibility of the class schedule, and the MPA Program’s reputation guided my decision and I haven’t regretted it at all. It is an exciting campus with many opportunities for engagement.
What are you enjoying most about your time at Northeastern?
I’ve most enjoyed the relationships that I’ve built with the teaching staff and my fellow students. It is such a diverse community, that you not only learn from your professors but also the other students. That camaraderie has enriched my studies and I’ve gained several lifelong friends.
If you are or took a course online, do you have any positive comments about being able to take online courses or in earning the degree online?
One of the benefits of Northeastern is the flexibility in taking online courses. Professors ensure that you do not lose the dynamic feeling of a classroom while online. There are interactive lectures and discussion posts, so that you can participate and learn from others even online.
How has the program helped you with your professional career?
For the last four years, I’ve been a Communications Specialist at 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. My career is dynamic and requires a multitude of skills. Since joining the MPA Program, the skills that I’ve acquired and sharpened at Northeastern have allowed me to excel in my career. From problem solving, policy analysis and writing, I’ve grown and expanded my professional opportunities exponentially.
Esmael Ansari (MPA’11)
Current Position: Campaign Coordinator for The Committee to Re-elect Rob Consalvo
Esmael Ansari studied at Northeastern as what we call a “Double Husky.” This is an affectionate term we use for those who’ve earned both their Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Northeastern. While working toward his MPA degree, Esmael concentrated mainly on American Politics and Public Policy.
Why did you choose Northeastern University for your graduate studies?
Having been an undergraduate at Northeastern, I chose the MPA Program here because it allowed me to continue with the excellent professors with whom I had built relationships in the past. It also allowed me to learn from new professors that I might not have had as an undergraduate. Another advantage was that the evening class schedule allowed me to work during the day and still participate in a high level graduate program.
Were you selected for any honors related to your degree at Northeastern?
I was inducted into Pi Sigma Alpha, the national honor’s society for political science students.
Do you have any positive comments about being able to take online courses or in earning the degree online?
I took several online courses. With a busy schedule, it allowed me to learn on my own time. I sincerely believe it provided me with a comparable experience to a course in a traditional classroom.
How has the program helped you in your professional career?
Many of the concepts, writing and research techniques that I learned in the classroom I have been able to directly relate to my profession.
What was the topic of your Capstone Project?
My Capstone project was the creation of a mentoring program for the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration (MassASPA).
What did you enjoy most about your time at Northeastern?
I enjoyed the great location of Northeastern, the diverse class schedule and my fellow colleagues. I was able to take several classes that had both MA and PhD candidates in them, outside of just my fellow MPA candidates, which provides for a great dialogue across programs.
J. Danielle Bachan (MPA’11)
Current Position: Health Policy Analyst, Massachusetts Division of Healthcare, Finance and Policy
J. Danielle Bachan came to the MPA Program at Northeastern after earning her BA in Political Science at Louisiana State University and working for the oil industry as a policy specialist and for the Department of Homeland Security: Federal Emergency Management Agency as an environmental policy specialist. About her experience working for both the private and public sectors she said, “Having worked within both sectors I felt that this was the perfect graduate degree to bridge the gap between the two, and offer the most flexibility upon graduation for finding employment.”
There were several factors that drew Danielle to Northeastern University’s MPA Program specifically including our location in Boston, our NASPAA accreditation, the Program being located in a political science department, and the achievements and variety of our professors and courses. “It is the perfect program for anyone interested in a career in the federal, local, or state government as well as those interested in non-profit or any other public service career. With a variety of courses offered within many different departments, the possibilities are endless and the political science department is very flexible in allowing your interests and goals to fit into the program. In the classroom, the topics are current and up to date and the professors are easily accessed and willing to help you learn and succeed.”
While studying full-time, Danielle still finds time to stay active with professional and personal interests. She participates in the Louisiana State University Alumni Association of Boston, Delta Zeta Sorority Alumnae Association, Young Republicans of Boston, and she has volunteered enough at various area non-profits to earn a President’s Volunteer Service Award. She also enjoys international travel and photography. Danielle is currently working in public policy for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is pursuing a law degree at Suffolk University Law School.
Justin Backal-Balik (Current Student)
Justin Backal-Balik joined the program after completing his undergraduate degree at Brandeis University. Though a native of Philadelphia, PA, he was well acquainted with all that the Boston area offered in terms of student life and professional advancement. Several of the highlights of Justin’s many accomplishments as a graduate student at Northeastern include, a position as a Research Assistant for Professor Hedlund, interning at the White House. Though there are no formal concentration areas for the MPA Program, Justin is specializing his studies in American Government and Public Policy. Justin is currently working as a Government Affairs Intern at The Metropolitan Area Planning Council.
Why did you choose Northeastern University for your graduate studies?
I chose Northeastern’s MPA Program because of the flexibility offered students in designing their own experience and tailoring their courses to their individual interests. I was also looking for a program in the heart of a major urban center. Boston, as both a dynamic city and the center of Massachusetts state government, has a lot to offer students.
How has the program helped you in your professional career?
The program has helped expand my professional network immensely, as well as offered me the opportunity to study previous areas of interest in greater detail and to also explore new subjects. Through the internship component of the program, I was able to participate in the White House Internship Program, which was a fantastic experience.
What have you enjoyed most about your time at Northeastern?
I have enjoyed the balance I have been able to maintain between courses and other professional activities such as internships and conferences. Building professional relationships with the faculty in and out of the department has been gratifying as well. I have enjoyed developing professional relationships with many of the outstanding faculty, but I have also learned from the amazing students in the program who are all in different places in their career and working on a variety of issues.
Andrew Braun (Current Student)
Andrew (Andy) Braun joined the MPA Program in spring 2010. He is one of several veterans and active-duty military personnel taking part in the program to further their skills in leadership and management. For more information on the support offered to veterans at Northeastern University, please visit www.northeastern.edu/veterans/.
“I chose Northeastern’s MPA Program for their reputation in career development, flexibility, top-notch professors, and their location within a city that flourishes with opportunity. My experience has been nothing short of outstanding. Northeastern has been extremely supportive towards myself and the numerous veterans throughout the campus. They provide a smooth transition from the military into the classroom.
“As a reservist I recently traveled to Mozambique this past summer to take part in a humanitarian assistance effort that provided an invaluable experience that I can carry back into the classroom and implement into my studies.”
Dan Burgess (MPA’11)
Current Position: Clean Energy Fellow at Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, Boston, Massachusetts
After five years in private sector supply chain management in both the aerospace and software industries, Dan Burgess, Northeastern MPA’11 and University of Maine BS’05, moved to a position in the Patrick-Murray Administration’s Department of Energy Resources (DOER). As a Clean Energy Fellow, Dan helps manage the communication and outreach efforts for clean energy projects in Massachusetts that were funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. DOER manages nearly $70 million in federal-stimulus funded clean energy projects in the Commonwealth and Dan’s work includes engaging community stakeholders, event coordination, website content management, and writing for the DOER’s blog: EnergySmarts.
In addition to this work, Dan helped manage GOTV operations for a Congressional District in the 2010 Massachusetts Democratic Coordinated Campaign and is an active volunteer leader on President Obama’s reelection efforts as the Regional Lead for the Greater Boston Area for Organizing for America.
Why did you choose Northeastern University for your graduate studies?
I choose Northeastern for its reputation, location, faculty, and the flexibility if offered.
How has the program helped you in your professional career?
My MPA degree from Northeastern has given me a solid foundation to move my career into the public sector and it has allowed me to network with other public policy professionals in a way which wouldn’t have been possible at other schools.
What was the topic of your Capstone Project?
I worked with Newton Mayor Setti Warren’s office to determine proper parameters for a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) program for non-profits in the area to help pay for community activities.
What did you enjoy most about your time at Northeastern?
I enjoyed the challenging class work and meeting other committed, interesting students from across the country and the world.
Austin Faison (MPA’11)
Austin is working toward a career in local management and administration. When asked what he was looking for in an MPA Program and why he chose Northeastern, he listed two factors that helped him make the decision to come here, “First, the school and professors go above and beyond in trying to help students gain a place in the profession of their choosing. For example, former Governor Dukakis, a professor in the program has challenged me academically and become a personal advisor as well. I also chose Northeastern because it is in Boston, my adopted city. When I was growing up in New Hampshire, I was always drawn to Boston.”
When asked what he thought was most valuable about the program, Austin answered, “The program is of great use to anyone interested in a career as a public manager. Though you can learn much in the workplace, a solid foundation of advanced studies is necessary in our current society. Course topics are current and intertwined with our everyday lives. You can read an article before class, and then have the professor bring up the topic in his/her lecture; it brings a needed texture to the program. Also, I have found that the professors each have a good sense of humor, and want to help the students learn and progress.”
Austin has participated in several activities while enrolled as a MPA student, including his participation in the Commonwealth Seminar this past summer, a program designed to give a group of interested residents a better understanding of the work on Beacon Hill. This program is one of several unique professional public service opportunities for students in the Boston area
Kate Harrington (Current Student)
Kate Harrington currently lives in Washington, DC and plans to complete her MPA degree by May 2012. Though the program does not have official areas of concentration, Kate is emphasizing international relations and public policy in her courses and research.
Why did you choose Northeastern University for your graduate studies?
Northeastern University is known for having a dedicated and loyal staff with competitive resources.
What are you enjoying most about your time at Northeastern?
The MPA Program is extremely thorough and explores a number of aspects and fields related to public policy and administration including management, analytical techniques, and financial and economic perspectives.
If you are or took a course online, do you have any positive comments about being able to take online courses or in earning the degree online?
I have taken several online courses at this point. I would say that if students think that online courses are less demanding or time consuming then think again! They actually are more demanding and more involved than the on campus courses that I have taken in the past. However, I have gotten A LOT from the online courses as they force you to interact more with classmates while also requiring a great amount of independent research.
Have you earned or been selected for any honors related to your work or your degree at Northeastern?
I was nominated for the Presidential Management Fellowship for the 2012-13 class.
How has the program helped you prepare for a professional career?
I entered the Program because I was interested in public policy and through this Program I have not only sharpened my analytical skills but have also been exposed to a number of policy areas and issues.
Ayumi Onaka (Current Student)
Ayumi Onaka is originally from Kyoto, Japan. She is one of many international students from every corner of the globe, who is working toward or has earned their MPA degree at Northeastern University. Ayumi is concentrating her studies and experiential projects on public policy and international relations. She has taken courses both on-campus and online.
Why did you choose Northeastern University for your graduate studies?
Northeastern University is famous for its practical education. I learned a lot of theories in my undergraduate programs in Japan but I couldn’t know how to utilize such knowledge in the real world. Especially, the MPA Program requires all students to do an internship for graduation, which enables me to gain practical skills combined with what I learn from MPA courses.
What internships and other experiential learning have you pursued while a graduate student at Northeastern?
I did two internships in the summer of 2011. One was for the US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce in Washington DC. The other was at the office of a city council member in Kyoto, Japan. During the latter internship, I organized a forum on “the Internationalization of Kyoto City” in cooperation with the City of Kyoto, Kyoto City International Foundation, and several universities in Kyoto.
How has the program helped you prepare for a relevant career?
I have been able to gain practical skills that I will be able to utilize in professional work. Because I’m an MPA student, I was able to work as an intern in the US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce in Washington DC. The CEO of this organization appreciated the practical skills and professional knowledge that I had gained through the MPA program at Northeastern University. I also strongly believe that these practical skills will enable me to find work after graduation.
What are you enjoying most about your time at Northeastern?
Actually, I have been too busy with classes because English is my second language and I was not used to the American style of education (a lot of assignments and class participation). Even so, I enjoy taking classes with American students and learning how they discuss topics in class. They are very good at discussing and selling their ideas.
If you are or took a course online, do you have any positive comments about being able to take online courses or in earning the degree online?
I like online courses a lot. This is because I could understand all discussions by taking as much time as I want. I am not a native speaker here in the U.S., so it is so hard to understand what other American students say in an on-campus class. Moreover, for a cultural reason, it is actually hard for me to express my opinions in front of others without being asked. Many people in my country are also better at thinking over time, rather than expressing their opinions immediately – (though this depends on the person). So, online courses enable me to understand the contents of classes and participate in discussions.
Ruth Strande (Current Student)
Ruth Strande studies in our MPA Program as a part-time online student. She currently works as a Professional Development and Training Specialist for the US Agency for International Development in Washington, DC. Her primary areas of interest include international relations and development, public policy, and program evaluation.
Why did you choose Northeastern University for your graduate studies?
I chose Northeastern University for the university’s reputation of leading in the field of experiential learning. The focus on grounding knowledge in experience was a real draw for me. I also found the flexibility, particularly the comprehensive online options, to be critical as I was looking for a program I could complete while working.
How has the program helped you in your professional career?
The online MPA program has provided me with information, knowledge, and skills that have helped me tremendously in my current position as Professional Development and Training Specialist for the US Agency for International Development (USAID) Bureau for Global Health. On Numerous occasions, I have found myself directly applying concepts learned through my online courses to my work. My professors have been supportive and available to bounce ideas off of and to further develop my interests and skills.
What are you enjoying most about your time at Northeastern?
I really appreciate the experience the professors and students bring to the table. Online discussions are never boring and are always filled with examples from real world experiences that are both interesting and informative.
Do you have any positive comments about being able to take online courses or in earning the degree online?
The best part of doing an online program is the flexibility. Being able to work when I want, and where I want, has been incredibly helpful for me. In addition, I find myself becoming more disciplined and learning how to manage my own time better, which has had a positive effect on my work in general. Finally, I think that the online platform allows for more diverse student participation. Students sign on from all over and are able to provide examples and experiences from the different communities around them which add to the course discussions.
Aisha Yusuf (Current Student)
Aisha Yusuf came to the Northeastern University to study in the Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program after receiving her B.S in Political Science and Intercultural Communications from the University of Utah and working at the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children as a Special Programs Assistant in Washington DC.
Why Boston and Northeastern with her background in Utah and DC? There were several aspects of both Boston and our MPA Program which attracted her. “I decided to enter Northeastern’s MPA Program for the outstanding faculty and their commitment to creating a well-rounded policy education for students,” she said about the program. “I came to Boston to engulf myself in an area that sets great precedent in state policies and reform. Living in Washington DC, I was able to encapsulate the dynamics of national policy, but felt if I was going to aspire for a career in policy, it was also important to obtain a grasp on state policy–and what better place to do that, than Massachusetts”.
Aisha does mention that “as an African-American woman, Boston has presented me with its own set of challenges and obstacles.” Despite these challenges, Aisha has made great use of her time here. This past year she worked as an intern for Councilor Ayanna Pressley (first women of color to hold a City Council seat). In this position, Aisha helped further initiatives related to the “Women and Healthy Communities” program, particularly in areas of grandparents raising grand children, and school-age parent policies in the Boston Public School System. She also completed the Commonwealth Seminar with the State, and she currently works at One Family, Inc., which is a non-profit, committed to changing policies and practices pertaining to families facing homelessness. In addition to her great work here in Boston, Aisha also returned to Washington DC for the summer of 2011 to work as a Fellow with the United States Council of Mayors.
Aisha’s dream is to create a lasting impact on social policies both in the U.S. and abroad and it is her hope that her Master’s level education from Northeastern, coupled with the many experiences she has pursued both here and in Washington, will bring her a few steps closer to this goal.
Aina Azza Zaid (MPA’11)
Aina Azza Zaid joined the MPA Program with several years of experience as a public administrator in her home country, Malaysia. Although transitioning from one culture to another can always pose challenges, Aina and the many other international students in our graduate programs, bring a useful professional and cultural background that improves the overall experience for all our students.
When looking for programs in public administration, Aina was very attracted with the opportunity to study in Boston, “the intellectual hub of America, which has given me a chance to explore positive educational and professional experiences not only at Northeastern but in the many facets of the city.” She ended-up choosing Northeastern’s MPA program because it is accredited by NASPAA (The National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration) and she appreciated that it was located in a political science department.
“The MPA Program has given me an array of multidisciplinary fields related to politics and public affairs which have been very beneficial for my career and knowledge advancement. Back in Malaysia, I am already attached with the Government of Malaysia as a public administrator. The MPA at Northeastern has allowed me to relate things I have learned in my work experience in Malaysia with what I learn in the classroom and conversely my class experiences have been very pertinent to my continued work in government and for my overall career advancement.”
Amongst the factors Aina has enjoyed the most about the MPA at Northeastern are the breadth of subjects covered in the courses, helpful staff, and professors who are knowledgeable and specialized in their fields but also understanding and helpful.
