With class now in session, the Max Bell School recently welcomed 36 accomplished individuals, representing 22 countries, to our 2021-22 MPP program.
This new cohort brings a rich diversity of academic backgrounds, interests, and experiences. A third of the students hold advanced degrees in fields that span from Political Science to Chemical Engineering. The class also draws from a broad range of professional domains, encompassing areas such as international relations, marketing, and the environment, to name a few.
“The calibre of our incoming cohort of students is outstanding,” said Chris Ragan, Director of the Max Bell School. “Over the year ahead, I’m looking forward to watching these students build their policy analysis and development skills through active participation in our MPP program’s courses, Case Studies, Complexity Seminars, and Policy Lab.”
Our incoming MPP students attending an orientation week event
A range of experiences and interests
The diversity of our students’ backgrounds is a big part of what makes our MPP program so dynamic. And while their experiences may be highly varied, the students share the goal of tackling the most pressing and complex policy problems of our time.
Citing her liberal arts education and career in civil service as pivotal influences, MPP candidate Nandini Paliwal is entering the MPP program with seventeen years of public administration experience under her belt. Through her time at the Max Bell School, she hopes to “do all that she can to leave an equitable, safe, and clean world for the children of the world,” including her own kids.
A group of students out on the orientation week scavenger hunt
Stephanie Scarlett—who completed a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and Biology at the University of Ottawa—is focused on bringing change to Canada's protected areas management by “developing policy and nature-based solutions to environmental challenges such a biodiversity loss and climate change.”
It’s a strong commitment to sustainable development goals that drives Shabbir Shawkut. To that end, he says, “I want to improve my skills and knowledge on socioeconomic policy issues and contribute to making these policies more inclusive.”
A group of our new MPP students standing in front of the McCall-MacBain Arts Building
Why choose the Max Bell School MPP?
The varied components of the MPP program ensure that our students become equipped with both the applied and the theoretical knowledge crucial for navigating the real world of public policy. From the Core Policy Courses and Complexity Seminars led by our stellar faculty, to the hands-on experience enabled by the Policy Lab, the Max Bell School will provide our MPPs the tools and resources they need to forge meaningful careers.
Caroline Merner, who is joining the MPP program as a member of the inaugural cohort of McCall MacBain Scholars, was looking for an intensive and immersive one-year program with opportunities for case studies and skills development. According to Merner, the Max Bell School will allow her to “learn the foundations of policy-making and better advocate for current and future generations facing the climate and ecological crises.”
Juma Omala, a Mastercard Foundation Scholar from Kenya, enrolled in the Max Bell School’s MPP program to develop his understanding of the complexities of health inequalities, and how contribute to addressing them at the policy level. “I know it’s going to be intense, but I like to be challenged to think and do things differently.”
Four of our new MPP students dressed in their new Max Bell School sweaters
To learn more about our incoming students, check out their online profiles, where you’ll see their work and educational experiences to date. In addition, follow the Max Bell School on social media to hear more about the students’ objectives for the year ahead, and beyond.
