• Hometown: Spearfish, SD
• Faculty mentor/advisor: Katharine Broton, Assistant Professor, College of Education
• What is your degree program and expected graduate date?  Higher Education and Student Affairs, PhD, May 2022
• Please describe your research: I study the structures, people, and policies that govern higher education in the United States. I focus on the state level with the intent of using policy to remove barriers to and create equity within the system of higher education.
• In simple terms, why does this research matter? Higher education is supposed to be the path to economic stability, yet the way the structure and policies of the system are setup continue to leave people from underrepresented and minoritized backgrounds behind. There are persistent gaps in access and attainment, and changes in policy and governance can be used to address the issues that lead to those gaps.
• How soon after starting at the University of Iowa were you able to participate in research? I was able to participate in research from my first day at the University of Iowa
• How has being involved in research made you more successful at the University of Iowa? Participating in research at the University of Iowa has helped me to better understand the system as it currently exists and think more creatively about the ways we can approach making change.
• What are your career goals and/or plans after graduation? After graduation I hope to work for a higher education policy organization or a state system of higher education.

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