Saturday, February 21, 2015

2015 NASPAA Simulation Competition



Next week I will be embarking on a new feint representing ASU at the regional NASPAA Student Simulation Competition February 28 at USC’s Sol Price School of Public Policy. This is the first year of the competition and as such, not only are stakes high to represent ASU as a top research institution, but I am also nervous because although I’ve been trained at the Masters level in advanced policy analysis and research methods, simulation research is a completely new field to me this semester. Regardless, I'm now competing against some of best minds in the region and being judged by leading researchers and professionals.  Confidence alone won’t be enough to get me through this one, but needless to say I’m incredibly excited. 

NASPAA for those of you unfamiliar to it, is the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration. This organization is responsible for accrediting graduate schools of public policy, affairs, and administration globally. Simulation research is an increasingly useful and dynamic way to showcase, evaluate, and understand complex problems. This day-long competition will put to the test our critical thinking skills, collaborative abilities, and creativity to find a pragmatic solution to a looming health policy issue. We stand to be judged at every point of the competition and winners get their pick of incredible list of prizes in addition to bragging rights.

The countdown is soon and most likely by the time anyone reads this I’ll be neck deep in the competition.

Wish me luck Sun Devils!

1 comment:

  1. This sounds like an awesome competition and I can tell it is something you are excited about. I had no idea something like this existed, but it sounds like something held with high prestige. I hope you are kicking butt and representing the school well! Good luck and can't wait to hear how it went

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