Career Paths

UNC Asheville prepared me to think critically about the political, social, and economic systems that shape our world. Now, as an AmeriCorps Lead for North Carolina Fellow with the UNC School of Government, I use the research, data analysis, and communication skills I learned every day—from building regression models and visualizations to analyzing local housing and public safety policies in Murphy, NC. After my fellowship, I’ll take what I’ve learned to Taiwan as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant. What I loved most about UNCA was the opportunity to study across disciplines. That flexibility helped me connect policy with people—locally and globally—and shaped my path from rural North Carolina to international service."

As Chief Data & AI Officer for the Foreign Service Institute, I lead efforts to shape how data and artificial intelligence are used in training across the U.S. Department of State and other federal agencies. Before this, I worked on early warning systems for conflict and atrocities at the State Department’s Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations, and managed foreign aid portfolios at the White House Office of Management and Budget. My career has been deeply shaped by my time at UNC Asheville. Through hands-on research with Drs. Cornett, Haschke, and Gibney on the Political Terror Scale and Societal Violence Scale, I gained a foundation in political analysis that continues to guide my work. Every faculty member I learned from in the Political Science department contributed to my academic growth and helped me clarify both my goals and how to achieve them.

As a congressional staffer for U.S. Senator Ted Budd, I engage daily with the legislative process, from policy analysis to constituent services. My education at UNC Asheville laid the groundwork for this role. The Political Science Department fostered an academic community where professors took a genuine interest in me—challenging my thinking, encouraging debate, and supporting my individual goals. Through a rich curriculum, independent study, and a senior thesis, I explored topics like civil liberties, government structures, and statistical analysis—all subjects I now encounter on Capitol Hill. The fast-paced world of the U.S. Senate is demanding, but thanks to my time at UNCA, I stepped into it prepared and confident."