Wolverines put policy to work

"Health care policy is only as effective as its accessibility. While many initiatives are well-intentioned, their impact is limited if barriers like transportation, language, or system complexity prevent people from accessing care; addressing these barriers requires strong interdisciplinary collaboration"

 

"Making an impact requires a combination of quantitative and qualitative information, but most of the time we prioritize the first. This internship helped me understand how relevant qualitative insights and soft skills are, and I intend to further develop these skills."

 

"I learned how dedicated court staff from different backgrounds help petitioners and support the Court's essential functions. This internship inspired me to pursue a career in law or government, where I can contribute to institutions that serve the public and meaningfully impact people's lives."

 

"This project opened my eyes to how essential comprehensive data collection is for evidence-based advocacy and policymaking. Gaps in federal surveys can lead to inaccurate assessments of health disparities, economic challenges, or discrimination patterns. Having this data is more than just numbers—it's about ensuring that communities are visible in policy decisions and about having the evidence to drive meaningful change"

"I saw firsthand how constituents' concerns translate into federal policy action. By regularly answering the office phone and addressing constituent issues, I gained a deeper understanding of how public sentiment, lived experiences, and casework directly inform legislative priorities and policy-making decisions."

"I came to the Ford School with the intention of pivoting from federal-level research and evaluation to state or local. I found the most engaging part of my research to be understanding how appropriations at the state level have direct impacts at the local level. After I graduate, I'm hoping to pursue work somewhere in the middle!"

 

"I learned the importance of cross-collaborative partnerships to strengthen the quality and breadth of knowledge, as well as increase credibility and political viability"

"I learned that peace is not a state, but a process that requires constant work. I loved my time in Belfast. I met people on both sides of the conflict and learned that nothing is black and white; conflict resolution requires nuance and negotiation from everyone. It also takes international cooperation and accountability to protect human rights all over the world"

 

"This experience taught me the value of mixed-methods research in policy: using data to demonstrate impact, and lived experience to make that evidence actionable. It reinforced my interest in bridging rigorous analysis with community-grounded insights so that policy decisions are not only efficient but also realistic and equitable."