Graduate Students

Meet some of our MPA and graduate certficate students and recent graduates:

Cameron Armstrong

I received my bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of New England in Biddeford, Maine. Along with my master’s degree, I will be graduating with a certificate in local government management. I currently work for the Political Science Department at Eastern Michigan University as a graduate assistant. I am most proud of having helped to organize the Local Government Workshop alongside Dr. Barbara Patrick. This event helped local mayors and administrators cultivate and develop their skills such as social media outreach, city planning, and revenue management. I was also selected as the John Barson Fellow for my work at Eastern Michigan University.

With many leadership roles under my belt, I hope to bring a multi-faceted approach to problem solving in a higher education office.

Graduated in 2021.

Interested in:

Higher Education Administration
State Government

Contact:

Nia Bonds

I earned my B.A. in Criminal Justice from the University of Detroit Mercy. I have certifications in Domestic Relations Mediation, Civil Mediation, Restorative Practices, Grant Writing, and Paralegal Education. I am a results-driven professional offering over 10 years legal experience in Federal, State and Local judiciaries. I am a certified, court-approved mediator who is adept at working with disputing parties to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. I am an exceptional communicator and presenter with a strong record of integrity and team performance. I am a grant writer with proven ability to organize and manage time, resources, and priorities to achieve challenging objectives within tight timeframes in high-pressure environments. I have strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to proactively identify and prevent potential problems. I am a lifelong learner who consistently retools, fearless advocate of the rights of marginalized populations, and consummate community volunteer.

I will use my wealth of legal experience and impending public administration degree to produce positive outcomes for marginalized groups.

Expected graduation:

2024

Interested in:

Federal, State, or local courts
Federal, State, or local government
Foreign Affairs
International Law

Contact:

Kylar Chandler

I have extensive research experience. I have municipal experience in the form of an internship with the City of Plymouth — I have worked with both their Community Development Department and Finance Department. I have also been a Graduate Assistant and Teaching Assistant for the Political Science Department at Eastern Michigan University.

I am an incredibly fast learner, award winning public speaker, and a hard worker — who is ready to make a difference.

Graduated in 2022.

Interested in:

Government

Contact:

Kennedi Blair Cummings

I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Interpersonal Communication from Western Michigan University, and I expect to complete my MPA in 2022. My work experience includes managing confidential information when assisting Federal agents and officers in a brisk fashion with data and reports; ensuring all documentation are completed accurately, timely, quickly, and confidentially; building partnerships with employers to maximize allocation of human and fiscal resources; and processing employment verifications annually and created monthly and annual reports.

I am actively searching to join a team or retain a position in government relations or government affairs. I am focusing on these positions to create positive change in roles and positions that focus on International Affairs. I am confident in my capacity to proactively develop and maintain strong partnerships in these fields of work.

Graduated in 2022.

Interested in:

International Affairs
Government

Contact:

Sam Howard

I’m a student in the Combined Bachelor of Arts and Master of Public Administration Program here at Eastern Michigan University. Upon graduation, I will receive both my bachelor's and master's degrees. I am employed within the Political Science Department at Eastern Michigan University as a Graduate Assistant. I have also worked with the City of Imlay City as an Administrative Intern alongside city leaders to provide the best services for our businesses and residents, served as a founding member of an appointed Youth Council in my hometown of Lapeer, and am heavily involved in community outreach and volunteer opportunities at my church. I take pride in being an active and engaged member of my community, helping wherever I can to make the community a better, stronger place through my work and volunteer activities.

I am a passionate leader dedicated to bettering every community I am involved in.

Expected Graduation:

Spring 2025

Interested in:

Federal, State, or Local government
City Development and Revitalization
Faith-Based Non-Profits

Contact:

Theodore Johnson

I received my bachelor’s degree in aviation management from Eastern Michigan University (EMU) in 2017, and I expect to complete my MPA by April 2020. My master’s is coupled with a graduate certificate in local government management. I currently serve as the Director of Aircraft Dispatch within EMU’s Aviation Department as well as a graduate assistant within the School of Technology and Professional Services Management (STPSM). This entails teaching two undergraduate courses and coordinating with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ensure EMU is compliant with all regulations. Being able to empower and enrich the minds of the youth while assisting them to achieve their goals is extremely satiating. The pride my position as an educator and mentor bestows is unparalleled, especially since I am molding the leaders of tomorrow. I am also very involved in the nonprofit sector as the founding President of the Willow Run Riveters and Alumni Relations Adviser for EMU’s Alpha Eta Rho chapter. In March 2019, I received the Gold Medallion for Outstanding Mentorship by a Graduate Student due to my immense involvement in student development inside and outside of the classroom.

As a multi-faceted and dynamic public servant, I strive to enhance organizational success through the utilization of a diverse skill-set while providing a positive impact on the community via abstract problem-solving.

Graduated in 2020.

Interested in:

Public Administration
Higher Education/Administration
State and Federal Government

Contact:

Hailey Kitchen

I proudly earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Eastern Michigan University in 2023, graduating with the highest honors, summa cum laude. I am currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration degree in Local Government at EMU. Currently, I hold the position of Graduate Assistant for the Political Science Department. Within this role I coordinate events, maintain a database of local government contacts, and provide support to course operations. Simultaneously, I am a dedicated employee of the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office. In my time, I have actively engaged with the community and taken on essential administrative responsibilities.

I am eager to contribute my skills and experience to the public sector. My academic achievements and hands-on experience demonstrate my ability to make a meaningful impact. I'm committed to upholding the values of integrity, accountability, and innovation.

Expected graduation:

Winter 2025

Interested in:

State and Local Government

Contact:

Marcus Lawniczak

I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree from Hiram College and am currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration from Eastern Michigan University. I currently work as a Graduate Assistant for the Political Science Department of Eastern Michigan University. Within this role I proctor exams, update databases, and am the VP of the Public Administration Club. The role as VP sees me organizing student engagement, planning events, fundraising, and writing literature. Before holding this position, I was a news analyst at public relations company Prime Research. I wrote abstracts of relevant news articles for Airbus, one of the world’s largest aerospace manufacturers. This position was grueling because I sometimes summarized over 25 articles a day, but it greatly improved my reading and writing abilities.

Once completing my MPA and finishing my time as a graduate assistant, I look forward to utilizing my writing ability within government work or for a partisan nonprofit organization, but am currently pursuing a part-time internship within those two fields.

Graduated in 2020.

Interested in:

Local, State, and Federal Government
Writing for a partisan nonprofit organization

Contact:

Andrea Martinovska

I completed my Bachelor of Science degree in International Affairs at EMU in April 2018. I am working on my Master of Public Administration degree, and I am considering a Ph.D. in the future. In the summer of 2019, I attended a language school in Latvia, where I studied Russian culture and language and obtained B1 certification. I also was an intern at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic. In the Department of the Middle East and Northern Africa, I was able to witness how the department faced many crises. This was an amazing experience where I learned about the dynamic work of the legislature. I am also a graduate assistant in the EMU Political Science Department. I have valued working with faculty members on a variety of projects, including research, administrative work, and analytical thinking, and learning from them.

I really believe that nothing is impossible.

Graduated in 2020.

Interested in:

Foreign Affairs
International Cooperations
Higher Education

Contact:

Henry Outlaw

I am currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration while also seeking a Graduate Certificate in Local Government Management and Public Personnel Management. Additionally, I have a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Marygrove College. In my current position as a Management Assistant for the City of Brighton, I am coordinating organization strategy to achieve master plan goals and working to improve organization/public communication. In former roles, I have led a hiring initiative for mature workers by collaborating with the AARP and also streamlined a Youth Sports Partnerships Certification process. Additionally, I have conducted strategic planning for the cities of Tecumseh and Adrian, including an independent case study assessing the effectiveness of strategic planning. I am a current ICMA and ELGL member.

Helping organizations thrive is my specialty; I’m at my best when thinking outside of the box to help others succeed.

Graduated in 2020.

Interested in:

Local, State, and Federal Government

Contact:

Kinsey Roberts

I’m a student in the 3-2 Combined Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Master of Public Administration Program here at Eastern Michigan University. Upon graduation, I will have receive both my bachelor's and my master's degrees. I interned at the City of Plymouth’s Community Development Office where I worked on Property Information Packages in accordance with the Redevelopment Ready Communities Standards set forth by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. I also had the opportunity to analyze the impact of the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) ordinance on residential development through data collection and the creation of an in-depth analysis report.

I strive to bring passion, energy, and innovated ideas into my future career in the Public Sector.

Graduated in 2020.

Interested in:

Local, State, or Federal Government

Contact:

Joseph Sculuca

I’m a student in the 3-2 Combined Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Master of Public Administration Program here at Eastern Michigan University. I have worked for state legislators from Illinois and helped in mediation sessions.

I always strive to help people, but what does that mean for each individual person in the world?

Graduated in 2023.

Interested in:

Local or Federal Government

Contact:

Johnna Thompson

I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications. I am a current Graduate Assistant for the Political Science Department. Previously, I was a Client Liaison at Stillman Law Office in Farmington Hills, MI. As a Client Liaison, it was my responsibility to submit daily financial forecasts, weekly balance reconciliation reports, along with other reports such as weekly attorney reviews to clients. Some of the internships that I have obtained during my time in the program are internships with the Office of Detroit City Council President, Brenda Jones and U.S. Senator Gary Peters.

I look forward to using my MPA degree to be an asset in government, healthcare, or higher education.

Graduated in 2020.

Interested in:

Federal government
State government
Healthcare
Courts
Higher Education

Contact:

Jake Young

I graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from Eastern Michigan University in 2017. In addition to pursuing my Master of Public Administration degree at EMU, I will also graduate with a Graduate Certificate in Local Government Management. I currently work full-time as a Contract & Grant Specialist in research administration at the University of Michigan, providing administrative support in the execution of budgets, financial planning, and fiscal operations. I manage sponsored research projects with a combined total annual budget of nearly $4 million. Previously, I interned in the Washtenaw County Administrator's office providing exceptional service to constituents, the Board of Commissioners, professional staff, and community stakeholders.

I am a dynamic, dedicated public servant seeking to leverage several years of administrative, financial, and project management experience to help your organization drive positive change in our community.

Graduated in 2021.

Interested in:

Local, State, and Federal Government
Public Health
Higher Education

Contact: