All MS Profiles

Charles Adeogun

Class Year: 1st year Master’s Student
Hometown: Born in USA & Raised in Nigeria

Please describe yourself, in fifty words or less.

A great part of who I am is deeply rooted in my upbringing. Born in America and raised in Nigeria – this has given me an opportunity to see the world from unique perspectives. I watch a lot of news, love traveling and enjoy all music by Jay Z.

Why did you choose the SPP degree?

I wanted to merge my civil engineering background with a liberal arts education that would help develop my rational thought and intellectual capabilities and also prepare me for a successful career in public service particularly in the areas of urban & regional economic development.

What is the most interesting thing you’ve done here?

This is my first semester as a graduate student, so I haven’t done much other than interact with Public Policy professors who are interesting in their own right.

Most interesting class so far?

Public Management – Professor Kingsley.

What will I be doing next?

I am trying to get significant summer internship opportunity at the White house, World Bank, USAID or any other governmental organizations. I might pursue a PhD in the future.

What are your professional goals upon graduation?

Embark on a life-long career in Public Service.
Obtain a Professional Engineering, P.E. license in Engineering.
Career advancement / continuing education in Public policy.

Peggy Berg

MS students Peggy Berg and Daniel Teclezion in their project for the Information Policy and Management class assessed a convention and visitors bureau's (CVB) information strategy and its implementation. Their final report was presented to management and the Board’s Executive Committee. As a result of this work, the CVB redefined its e-marketing strategy and changed its organizational structure to be more efficient and deliver more value to its stakeholders. Peggy and Daniel found it exciting to help the people in this organization see a needed change and then actually put it into effect. After years working with various organizations, this project was refreshing for Peggy because the Public Policy classes gave her clarity and a framework for the issues they identified. Because Daniel has an engineering background and most of his previous work experience was in technical positions, evaluating a marketing organization was enlightening. And,he learned a lot about how business and public entities interact and benefit each other.

Matt Cox

Highest Degree: Ph.D., Public Policy, Georgia Institute of Technology (projected: 2013), specializing in Environmental and Energy Policy.

Chief Adviser: Dr. Marilyn A. Brown, Professor of Public Policy

Other Degrees: M.S., Public Policy, Georgia Institute of Technology (2009); B.S., Environmental Biology, University of Dayton (2008).

 William “Matt” Cox distinguished himself as a Master’s student within the School of Public Policy, earning the Outstanding Graduate Student Award (2009). He was one of the few Master’s students to serve as a graduate research assistant under Dr. Marilyn Brown.  His keen interest and great academic promise motivated him to enter the Doctoral Program in Public Policy, again specializing in Environmental and Energy Policy under Dr. Brown.  He has further distinguished himself through various conference papers, presentations, and publications and his contributes to Dr. Brown’s research for Oak Ridge National Laboratory.  Once he graduates in 2013, Matt intends to take his excellent policy analysis and research skills into the private sector.  He is particularly interested in sustainability and energy issues in the corporate domain.  His interest in energy and sustainability date back to his undergraduate years at the University of Dayton, where he studied Environmental Biology and participated in projects to improve the design of sustainable campus buildings.  He was the 2008 Winner of The Environmental Biology Internship Achievement Award of Excellence from the University of Dayton.  Matt represents yet again the wide options open to Public Policy graduates. To learn more about Matt and his research, please contact him at: matt.cox@gatech.edu.

Randy Gibbs

In spring of 2012, the Public Policy Graduate Student Association (PPGSA) elected Randy Gibbs as the new PPGSA President.

Randy G. Gibbs, a first year MS student in Georgia Tech’s Public Policy program, recently separated from active duty service in the US Air Force.  In his new role as an Area Liaison Officer in the Air Force Reserves, Randy addressed 22 young men and women who received a Service Academy Nomination from Congressman David Scott (13th Congressional District).  In addition to Congressman Scott and the families of the students, several City Mayors, County Commissioners, Superintendents of Education, Principals, JROTC Commanders, and other community leaders were in attendance.  Randy chose to study Public Policy at Tech as a means to continue his leadership development in Atlanta, this time from a civilian perspective, as he transitions out of the military.

Amanda Marshall

Class Year: 2nd year Master’s Student
Hometown: None really, I’m an Army brat, but I was born in Augusta, GA

Please describe yourself, in fifty words or less.

I am passionate about protecting the environment and have been since I learned tigers are endangered.  My favorite things are reading and interacting with wildlife.  I am vegan, and have been told I’m a pretty good cook.  I take my environmental policy studies seriously because I truly want to make a difference in the world.

Why did you choose the SPP degree?

I chose the SPP degree because after getting a B.S. in Biology I realized that a Master’s in Environmental Policy would allow me to use my ecology background to affect how the world works, hopefully for the better.

What is the most interesting thing you’ve done here?

Through my connections in the School of Public Policy I was able to get an internship at the Georgia Conservancy, during which I have been attending state water planning meetings.  Listening to government officials create plans I can see policy theory in action.

Most interesting class so far?

Environmental Economics and Environmental Law have been my favorite classes so far because both involved analyzing actual policies, their outcomes and alternatives.

What will I be doing next?

Right now I am writing my thesis, and then the job search begins.  I want to get a few years experience working in government and then go back to school for my PhD.

What are your professional goals upon graduation?

My professional goal after graduation is to use my knowledge of environmental policy and biology to obtain a position in government doing policy writing and analysis.

Amechi Okoh

Pending Degrees: B.S./M.S., Public Policy, Georgia Institute of Technology (projected: December 2012), Specialty: Education Policy

Amechi Okoh represents one of the exceptional Public Policy students within the five-year B.S./M.S. joint degree track. 

Of Nigerian-American descent, Amechi has distinguished herself both academically and through her extracurricular leadership roles.  In addition to being on the Dean’s List for four consecutive years and the recipient of the Office of Minority Education Tower Award (2007-11), Amechi has chaired the Culture Council of the Student Government Association (2011), presided as President of the African Student Association (2010-11), and served as a Mentor to high school students within the Atlanta Public School District.  Amechi has also demonstrated her commitment to public service through her internships with Georgia Legal Aid (2010) and the Georgia House of Representatives’ Office of Communications (2011).

Amechi has focused on STEM Education Policy. Her career goal is to advance educational systems both in the U.S. and in African countries.  Amechi was not content to simply take Education Policy courses. She sought and gained real-world experience in critical education issues through her work with the Georgia Tech Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics and Computing (2008-10) as well as the Georgia Tech Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning (2011), where she is an Evaluation Assistant, assisting with research on Latino students and STEM education. 

Amechi is among the growing number of Georgia Tech Public Policy students who understand and are passionate about advancing STEM education both in the U.S. and globally.

Alexander Smith

Highest Degree: M.S., Public Policy, Georgia Institute of Technology, Specialty: Energy/Environmental Policy (Projected: 2012)

Adviser: Dr. Marilyn Brown, Professor of Public Policy

Other Degrees: B.S., Chemistry, Georgia College and State University (2009)

A fellowship is a special academic distinction for a doctoral student or postdoctoral researcher. It is rare that a research fellowship is awarded to a Master’s student, particularly in the Social Sciences. But then, Alexander Smith is a rare student.

In the summer of 2011, Alexander Smith was nominated by Georgia Tech to serve as a Grid Innovation Leaders Fellow at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. He was among only three Georgia Tech students to be invited to participate in this prestigious summer research fellowship at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.  Under the mentoring of Stanton W. Hadley, Alex studied demand response energy programs in an effort to contribute to the modernization of the U.S. electricity infrastructure.  As Alex explains: “Energy demand response programs have considerable potential as an incremental policy measure to reduce information asymmetries in the electricity market, mitigate wholesale electricity price volatility, reduce cost-ineffective generation investments by public utilities, prevent electricity shortages due to over-congestion of the transmission grid, and contribute to reductions in carboon emissions.”

Alex’s summer 2011 research experienced proved so successful that Oak Ridge National Laboratory has invited him to serve as a GIL Fellow during the spring and summer of 2012.  Alex Smith is looking forward to a career in energy research. He intends to begin doctoral studies in the fall of 2012. 

Opportunities like a Grid Innovation Leaders Fellowship are rare indeed. Being a student at Georgia Tech gave Alex Smith access to this great research fellowship, as Georgia Tech has maintained a strong research collaborative relationship with Oak Ridge National Laboratory for decades. In fact, Alex’s adviser, Dr. Marilyn Brown, previously served as the Director of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Program at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. 

A strong international network of research collaborations, globally renowned Energy experts, superb mentoring, access to national laboratories, early research experiences in undergraduate and graduate programs–these are just a few of the many strengths of the School of Public Policy at Georgia Tech. The School of Public Policy leverages its full network and resources to provide students with a superior education, world-class research experiences, and excellent career opportunities.

Wes Staley

Class Year: 2nd year Master’s Student
Hometown: I have never lived anywhere for more than 4 years, so I don’t really have a hometown.  However, I went to high school in Starkville, Ms.

Please describe yourself, in fifty words or less.

I served in the Navy, an experience which I now look back on fondly.  After leaving the Navy, I worked in the IT profession for approximately 7 years before I decided to pursue a degree in biology.  My focus is on the intersection of science and ethics, which has driven much of my interest in controversial topics of science such as stem cell research.

Why did you choose the SPP degree?

I had originally thought that I may pursue a career in a lab.  However, I found that I enjoyed the discussion of my work more than time spent in the lab.  I decided to pursue a degree in Public Policy so that I could work with policy makers to advance my interest in science through the political process. 

What is the most interesting thing you’ve done here?

I have found that the networking available as a member of such a small community has enriched my life.  I have been offered an opportunity to network with some of the brightest people I know.

Most interesting class so far?

Biotechnology, Ethics, and Law. The forum of this class offered a chance for students in several concentrations (policy, ethics, law, and science) to exchange ideas about how their influences their beliefs about controversial issues in science.

What will I be doing next?

I will be working on my research paper.

What are your professional goals upon graduation?

I would like to work in a position where I can see a tangible result from my efforts.  I hope that this will be offered through a position that seeks to advocate for the advancement of scientific research.

Daniel Teclezion

MS students Peggy Berg and Daniel Teclezion in their project for the Information Policy and Management class assessed a convention and visitors bureau's (CVB) information strategy and its implementation. Their final report was presented to management and the Board’s Executive Committee. As a result of this work, the CVB redefined its e-marketing strategy and changed its organizational structure to be more efficient and deliver more value to its stakeholders. Peggy and Daniel found it exciting to help the people in this organization see a needed change and then actually put it into effect. After years working with various organizations, this project was refreshing for Peggy because the Public Policy classes gave her clarity and a framework for the issues they identified. Because Daniel has an engineering background and most of his previous work experience was in technical positions, evaluating a marketing organization was enlightening. And,he learned a lot about how business and public entities interact and benefit each other.

Charles Adeogun

Class Year: 1st year Master’s Student
Hometown: Born in USA & Raised in Nigeria

Please describe yourself, in fifty words or less.

A great part of who I am is deeply rooted in my upbringing. Born in America and raised in Nigeria – this has given me an opportunity to see the world from unique perspectives. I watch a lot of news, love traveling and enjoy all music by Jay Z.

Why did you choose the SPP degree?

I wanted to merge my civil engineering background with a liberal arts education that would help develop my rational thought and intellectual capabilities and also prepare me for a successful career in public service particularly in the areas of urban & regional economic development.

What is the most interesting thing you’ve done here?

This is my first semester as a graduate student, so I haven’t done much other than interact with Public Policy professors who are interesting in their own right.

Most interesting class so far?

Public Management – Professor Kingsley.

What will I be doing next?

I am trying to get significant summer internship opportunity at the White house, World Bank, USAID or any other governmental organizations. I might pursue a PhD in the future.

What are your professional goals upon graduation?

Embark on a life-long career in Public Service.
Obtain a Professional Engineering, P.E. license in Engineering.
Career advancement / continuing education in Public policy.

Peggy Berg

MS students Peggy Berg and Daniel Teclezion in their project for the Information Policy and Management class assessed a convention and visitors bureau's (CVB) information strategy and its implementation. Their final report was presented to management and the Board’s Executive Committee. As a result of this work, the CVB redefined its e-marketing strategy and changed its organizational structure to be more efficient and deliver more value to its stakeholders. Peggy and Daniel found it exciting to help the people in this organization see a needed change and then actually put it into effect. After years working with various organizations, this project was refreshing for Peggy because the Public Policy classes gave her clarity and a framework for the issues they identified. Because Daniel has an engineering background and most of his previous work experience was in technical positions, evaluating a marketing organization was enlightening. And,he learned a lot about how business and public entities interact and benefit each other.

Matt Cox

Highest Degree: Ph.D., Public Policy, Georgia Institute of Technology (projected: 2013), specializing in Environmental and Energy Policy.

Chief Adviser: Dr. Marilyn A. Brown, Professor of Public Policy

Other Degrees: M.S., Public Policy, Georgia Institute of Technology (2009); B.S., Environmental Biology, University of Dayton (2008).

 William “Matt” Cox distinguished himself as a Master’s student within the School of Public Policy, earning the Outstanding Graduate Student Award (2009). He was one of the few Master’s students to serve as a graduate research assistant under Dr. Marilyn Brown.  His keen interest and great academic promise motivated him to enter the Doctoral Program in Public Policy, again specializing in Environmental and Energy Policy under Dr. Brown.  He has further distinguished himself through various conference papers, presentations, and publications and his contributes to Dr. Brown’s research for Oak Ridge National Laboratory.  Once he graduates in 2013, Matt intends to take his excellent policy analysis and research skills into the private sector.  He is particularly interested in sustainability and energy issues in the corporate domain.  His interest in energy and sustainability date back to his undergraduate years at the University of Dayton, where he studied Environmental Biology and participated in projects to improve the design of sustainable campus buildings.  He was the 2008 Winner of The Environmental Biology Internship Achievement Award of Excellence from the University of Dayton.  Matt represents yet again the wide options open to Public Policy graduates. To learn more about Matt and his research, please contact him at: matt.cox@gatech.edu.

Randy Gibbs

In spring of 2012, the Public Policy Graduate Student Association (PPGSA) elected Randy Gibbs as the new PPGSA President.

Randy G. Gibbs, a first year MS student in Georgia Tech’s Public Policy program, recently separated from active duty service in the US Air Force.  In his new role as an Area Liaison Officer in the Air Force Reserves, Randy addressed 22 young men and women who received a Service Academy Nomination from Congressman David Scott (13th Congressional District).  In addition to Congressman Scott and the families of the students, several City Mayors, County Commissioners, Superintendents of Education, Principals, JROTC Commanders, and other community leaders were in attendance.  Randy chose to study Public Policy at Tech as a means to continue his leadership development in Atlanta, this time from a civilian perspective, as he transitions out of the military.

Amanda Marshall

Class Year: 2nd year Master’s Student
Hometown: None really, I’m an Army brat, but I was born in Augusta, GA

Please describe yourself, in fifty words or less.

I am passionate about protecting the environment and have been since I learned tigers are endangered.  My favorite things are reading and interacting with wildlife.  I am vegan, and have been told I’m a pretty good cook.  I take my environmental policy studies seriously because I truly want to make a difference in the world.

Why did you choose the SPP degree?

I chose the SPP degree because after getting a B.S. in Biology I realized that a Master’s in Environmental Policy would allow me to use my ecology background to affect how the world works, hopefully for the better.

What is the most interesting thing you’ve done here?

Through my connections in the School of Public Policy I was able to get an internship at the Georgia Conservancy, during which I have been attending state water planning meetings.  Listening to government officials create plans I can see policy theory in action.

Most interesting class so far?

Environmental Economics and Environmental Law have been my favorite classes so far because both involved analyzing actual policies, their outcomes and alternatives.

What will I be doing next?

Right now I am writing my thesis, and then the job search begins.  I want to get a few years experience working in government and then go back to school for my PhD.

What are your professional goals upon graduation?

My professional goal after graduation is to use my knowledge of environmental policy and biology to obtain a position in government doing policy writing and analysis.

Amechi Okoh

Pending Degrees: B.S./M.S., Public Policy, Georgia Institute of Technology (projected: December 2012), Specialty: Education Policy

Amechi Okoh represents one of the exceptional Public Policy students within the five-year B.S./M.S. joint degree track. 

Of Nigerian-American descent, Amechi has distinguished herself both academically and through her extracurricular leadership roles.  In addition to being on the Dean’s List for four consecutive years and the recipient of the Office of Minority Education Tower Award (2007-11), Amechi has chaired the Culture Council of the Student Government Association (2011), presided as President of the African Student Association (2010-11), and served as a Mentor to high school students within the Atlanta Public School District.  Amechi has also demonstrated her commitment to public service through her internships with Georgia Legal Aid (2010) and the Georgia House of Representatives’ Office of Communications (2011).

Amechi has focused on STEM Education Policy. Her career goal is to advance educational systems both in the U.S. and in African countries.  Amechi was not content to simply take Education Policy courses. She sought and gained real-world experience in critical education issues through her work with the Georgia Tech Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics and Computing (2008-10) as well as the Georgia Tech Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning (2011), where she is an Evaluation Assistant, assisting with research on Latino students and STEM education. 

Amechi is among the growing number of Georgia Tech Public Policy students who understand and are passionate about advancing STEM education both in the U.S. and globally.

Alexander Smith

Highest Degree: M.S., Public Policy, Georgia Institute of Technology, Specialty: Energy/Environmental Policy (Projected: 2012)

Adviser: Dr. Marilyn Brown, Professor of Public Policy

Other Degrees: B.S., Chemistry, Georgia College and State University (2009)

A fellowship is a special academic distinction for a doctoral student or postdoctoral researcher. It is rare that a research fellowship is awarded to a Master’s student, particularly in the Social Sciences. But then, Alexander Smith is a rare student.

In the summer of 2011, Alexander Smith was nominated by Georgia Tech to serve as a Grid Innovation Leaders Fellow at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. He was among only three Georgia Tech students to be invited to participate in this prestigious summer research fellowship at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.  Under the mentoring of Stanton W. Hadley, Alex studied demand response energy programs in an effort to contribute to the modernization of the U.S. electricity infrastructure.  As Alex explains: “Energy demand response programs have considerable potential as an incremental policy measure to reduce information asymmetries in the electricity market, mitigate wholesale electricity price volatility, reduce cost-ineffective generation investments by public utilities, prevent electricity shortages due to over-congestion of the transmission grid, and contribute to reductions in carboon emissions.”

Alex’s summer 2011 research experienced proved so successful that Oak Ridge National Laboratory has invited him to serve as a GIL Fellow during the spring and summer of 2012.  Alex Smith is looking forward to a career in energy research. He intends to begin doctoral studies in the fall of 2012. 

Opportunities like a Grid Innovation Leaders Fellowship are rare indeed. Being a student at Georgia Tech gave Alex Smith access to this great research fellowship, as Georgia Tech has maintained a strong research collaborative relationship with Oak Ridge National Laboratory for decades. In fact, Alex’s adviser, Dr. Marilyn Brown, previously served as the Director of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Program at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. 

A strong international network of research collaborations, globally renowned Energy experts, superb mentoring, access to national laboratories, early research experiences in undergraduate and graduate programs–these are just a few of the many strengths of the School of Public Policy at Georgia Tech. The School of Public Policy leverages its full network and resources to provide students with a superior education, world-class research experiences, and excellent career opportunities.

Wes Staley

Class Year: 2nd year Master’s Student
Hometown: I have never lived anywhere for more than 4 years, so I don’t really have a hometown.  However, I went to high school in Starkville, Ms.

Please describe yourself, in fifty words or less.

I served in the Navy, an experience which I now look back on fondly.  After leaving the Navy, I worked in the IT profession for approximately 7 years before I decided to pursue a degree in biology.  My focus is on the intersection of science and ethics, which has driven much of my interest in controversial topics of science such as stem cell research.

Why did you choose the SPP degree?

I had originally thought that I may pursue a career in a lab.  However, I found that I enjoyed the discussion of my work more than time spent in the lab.  I decided to pursue a degree in Public Policy so that I could work with policy makers to advance my interest in science through the political process. 

What is the most interesting thing you’ve done here?

I have found that the networking available as a member of such a small community has enriched my life.  I have been offered an opportunity to network with some of the brightest people I know.

Most interesting class so far?

Biotechnology, Ethics, and Law. The forum of this class offered a chance for students in several concentrations (policy, ethics, law, and science) to exchange ideas about how their influences their beliefs about controversial issues in science.

What will I be doing next?

I will be working on my research paper.

What are your professional goals upon graduation?

I would like to work in a position where I can see a tangible result from my efforts.  I hope that this will be offered through a position that seeks to advocate for the advancement of scientific research.

Daniel Teclezion

MS students Peggy Berg and Daniel Teclezion in their project for the Information Policy and Management class assessed a convention and visitors bureau's (CVB) information strategy and its implementation. Their final report was presented to management and the Board’s Executive Committee. As a result of this work, the CVB redefined its e-marketing strategy and changed its organizational structure to be more efficient and deliver more value to its stakeholders. Peggy and Daniel found it exciting to help the people in this organization see a needed change and then actually put it into effect. After years working with various organizations, this project was refreshing for Peggy because the Public Policy classes gave her clarity and a framework for the issues they identified. Because Daniel has an engineering background and most of his previous work experience was in technical positions, evaluating a marketing organization was enlightening. And,he learned a lot about how business and public entities interact and benefit each other.