Hometown: Beijing, China

Current City: Washington, DC

Why did you choose McCourt? I highly value the well-constructed curriculum at McCourt. My primary goal was to establish a strong foundation in quantitative analysis, project design and implementation, as well as monitoring and evaluating development projects. The rigorous course structure at McCourt is ideally suited to prepare me for the dynamic world of policy making. Furthermore, I was drawn to the unparalleled opportunity offered by the client-based capstone course, which allows me to apply my knowledge in real-world scenarios and gain valuable practical training experience. Currently, my capstone group is collaborating with the World Bank Development Economics department, where we are working on producing easily digestible data reports and blogs.

What professional/ work experience did you have prior to coming to McCourt? Before enrolling at McCourt, I spent two years working in Marketing in China. The onset of the pandemic prompted deep introspection and reflection on the meaning of life and how to lead a fulfilling one. Subsequently, I made a bold decision to follow my passion for international development, which led me to apply for the MIDP program at McCourt. Although the shift was significant, my personal growth throughout this journey has been tremendous.

What has been the best part of your experience so far? One of the most remarkable aspects of my experience at McCourt and in the MIDP program has been the sense of community. It's a level of camaraderie I had never experienced before. I'm immensely grateful to everyone I've met at Georgetown, as they have made my time here the most memorable of my life. The accessibility of professors and their willingness to provide guidance in all aspects of my academic and professional life have been invaluable. The new mentorship initiative within the MIDP program has also been helpful, providing personalized and one-on-one opportunities for each student.

Student organization involvement while at McCourt: During my first year, I was actively involved with the McCourt Student Association (MSA). Currently, I hold the position of Director of Events at Graduate Government (GradGov). In this role, I am responsible for organizing major events such as the Welcome Back BBQ, Halloween Party, Fundraising Gala, and more.

What internships have you had so far during your time at McCourt? I am currently working as a Research Assistant with Georgetown University Initiative on Impact Evaluation (Gui2de). Over the summer, I had the opportunity to work on a research project in Bangladesh, exploring the potential of private sector interventions to extend the lifespan of lead acid batteries. This research aimed to mitigate the risks of lead poisoning and environmental contamination. My involvement encompassed various tasks, including literature review, designing survey instruments, enumerator training, data analysis, hypothesis testing, and performance monitoring. I also actively engaged with a diverse range of stakeholders, including management, micro-finance institutions, NGOs, government entities, and global donors such as ADB, Stanford University, the UN, UKAID, and the International Growth Centre. Additionally, I interned as a Research Assistant with the International Initiative on Impact Evaluation (3IE) on a gender-focused project.

Undergraduate University, degree, and major: Fordham University, double major in Communication and Visual Arts.

Hobbies/ Interests: Gender, financial inclusion, environment, energy and health. Outside of my academic pursuits, I have a passion for weightlifting, dancing, and photography.

Reach out to me about: I am always open to discussions on networking, especially for international students.