Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI

Current City: Washington, DC

Why did you choose McCourt? It was important for me to do a program with an international development focus. While evaluating programs, I realized that all roads led to DC. No matter what program I assessed as an option, the next step after graduation would necessitate moving to DC as it is the epicenter of international development in the US. As I value building relationships and networks, I wanted to start on day one of graduate school instead of post-graduation. I also spoke with some faculty at different programs before deciding and admired the goals and vision of the Georgetown MIDP faculty.

What professional/ work experience did you have prior to coming to McCourt? I served for seven years in the Marine Corps Reserves as an infantryman, including one deployment to Afghanistan. Once I returned from Afghanistan, I exited the Marine Corps and began working as a Logistics Specialist with Lineage Logistics in Detroit, MI. I wanted to transition to international development, so I joined Chemonics International and worked as a Supply Planning Specialist on the malaria team within GHSC-PSM. From Chemonics, I came to Georgetown.

What has been the best part of your experience so far? So far, the best experience has been making friendships within my cohort and establishing relationships in DC. DC is full of interesting people trying to make a difference, and I enjoy the community. The food scene is pretty dynamite here as well.

What internships have you had so far during your time at McCourt? I completed a Research Officer internship with Consilient Research in Hargeisa, Somaliland over the 2022 summer. The position consisted of writing impact evaluations for agriculture and security programs. The opportunity to gain field experience in the Horn of Africa was absolutely invaluable and an overall great experience!

Student organization involvement while at McCourt: This year, I was one of the co-founders of the Development Implementer Group (DIG) which aims to provide future international development project managers an environment to hone their skills. We are incredibly excited to build this community of implementers.

Undergraduate University, degree, and major: Central Michigan University, Bachelor in Business Administration: Logistics Management, Marketing, Bachelor of Science: Political Science

Hobbies/ Interests: I am extremely interested in insurgencies, counterinsurgencies, and asymmetric warfare, particularly on the African continent. My focus is peacebuilding, stabilization, and transitions out of a conflict state. Outside of career themes, I enjoy: military history, punk & rock music, backpacking, travel, chess/board games, reading, stand-up comedy, and I'm absolutely obsessed with hockey. (Go Red Wings and Caps!)