Position
GEAR UP College Advisor, University of Texas at Austin Institute for Public School Initiatives
Q: What initially brought you to Rice and the MSPE program?
A: Following my graduation from Sam Houston State University in 2021, I took a gap year—a time that for many, can lead to either clarity or crisis. I found myself teetering between both. I moved back to my family homestead and started incubating and hatching ducklings to sell at our local animal market. (Cue the crisis.) I had a moment of doubt, wondering if I had missed my true calling in agriculture.
However, as I reflected on my studies at SHSU, I realized that the classes I was most drawn to focused on juvenile justice and childhood trauma. I knew I wanted to pursue work that would be truly impactful, something that could drive real change. That’s when I began researching policy programs. When I came across Rice’s MSPE program and saw its core focus areas—Criminal Justice, Education, Health Care, and Labor Markets—it felt like it had been designed just for me. Criminal justice and education were exactly the areas where I wanted to influence policy, and I knew this was the right path for me.
Q: How did your experience in the MSPE program prepare you for a professional career?
A: My experience at Rice University provided me with a strong foundation in policy evaluation, research methods, and data driven decision making, all of which have been critical in my professional career. We are highly data-driven in my career and the skills I learned allow me to assess program effectiveness and propose evidence-based solutions. In our MSPE program we conducted various research projects, impact evaluations, collaborated with stakeholders, and applied real-world policy analysis. Rice emphasized collaboration and project management, which prepared me to work effectively with diverse teams, engage with community partners, and coordinate large-scale educational events. This experience enhanced my ability to design and implement programs that address systemic challenges, a skill I now apply in my work with GEAR UP, where I manage college readiness initiatives for hundreds of students.
Q: In what ways do you feel Rice’s location in Houston, Texas, enhanced your experience as an MSPE student?
A: As one of the largest and most diverse cities in the country, Houston served as an ideal setting to study social policy issues in real-time and engage with organizations working to address them. Being in Houston allowed me to collaborate with leading research institutions such as the Texas Policy Lab and the Houston Education Research Consortium (HERC). Through these partnerships, I had the opportunity to conduct policy evaluations that directly impacted local communities, applying the analytical and research skills I developed in my coursework to real-world challenges.
Q: What are your primary responsibilities in your current role?
A: I work for the Institute for Public School Initiatives (IPSI) within the College of Education at The University of Texas at Austin. Our team was awarded a seven-year federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education to implement GEAR UP, which stands for “Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs.” GEAR UP is designed to increase college enrollment by fostering a college-going culture and providing students with the resources they need to pursue higher education.
In my role, I support multiple districts, specifically their class of 2024 GEAR UP students as they navigate their post-secondary goals. This grant follows a cohort of students from seventh grade through their first year of college, trade school, or workforce transition. I joined the program in their senior year as their primary point of contact, helping them plan and prepare for life after high school. Now that my students have completed their first semester of college, university, or apprenticeship, my focus is on ensuring they have the tools and support necessary to persist and graduate. Additionally, I work to encourage students who have not yet started their post-secondary plans to take the next steps toward enrollment.
Beyond one-on-one student support, I also design programming for our summer conferences and assist with our summer camp initiatives for younger students, further strengthening the pipeline to higher education.
Q: What are some ways you incorporate what you learned in the MSPE program into your career?
A: Beyond data analysis, my master’s program emphasized project management, stakeholder collaboration, and policy implementation—skills that are essential in my role. Coordinating large-scale events such as college fairs, summer camps, and financial aid workshops requires strategic planning, cross-functional teamwork, and an understanding of institutional policies, all of which I developed through my graduate studies. My experience in social policy evaluation deepened my commitment to equity-driven work, shaping the way I approach educational initiatives. By applying the frameworks I studied in graduate school, I strive to create opportunities that support underserved students and ensure that policy interventions are both effective and inclusive.
Q: What are some of your long-term goals for your career?
A: One of my primary goals is to continue working on large-scale education initiatives that bridge gaps in college access and success. I want to design and implement programs that not only support students in their academic journeys but also provide them with the resources and mentorship needed to thrive in postsecondary education and career pathways. My experience with GEAR UP has reinforced my passion for this work, and I aim to expand my impact by continuing work within this successful program by advancing educational equity, policy evaluation, and program development to create meaningful opportunities for underserved communities.
Q: What is some advice you would give to someone thinking about enrolling in the MSPE program?
A: First, take full advantage of the program’s emphasis on applied learning. The coursework is rigorous, but what truly sets it apart is the opportunity to engage in real-world policy evaluation projects. Secondly, your cohort and professors will become the people you spend the most time with for the next year, be sure to develop strong relationships. Engaging with them can offer valuable insights and networking opportunities. Finally, be intentional about how you want to apply your degree. The program opens doors to various fields—education, criminal justice, public health, and more—so having a clear sense of your interests and goals will help you tailor your experiences and coursework to align with your career aspirations. Take on projects and research opportunities that will build your expertise in the area you’re most passionate about!
Q: What are three words you would use to describe your experience as an MSPE student at Rice?
Rewarding. Transformative. Rigorous.