People
On this page: Director | Faculty | Graduate Student Representatives | Current Students | Alumni
You can learn more about our faculty, our program staff, our current student cohorts, and alumni of the Policy Studies program. If you have questions about this program, please feel free to contact us for further information.
Director
Camille Walsh
Associate Professor
Education: Ph.D., History, University of Oregon; J.D. Harvard Law School
Research Fields: Legal and Policy History; Education Policy; Critical Race and Gender Studies; Human Rights; Tax Policy
Methodological Expertise: Qualitative Methods; Legal Research; Textual Analysis; Archival Research/Historical Analysis
Faculty
Explore profiles of our core and affiliate faculty members, including information on areas of expertise, pedagogy, courses taught, research/scholarship, and selected publications.
Charlie Collins
Associate Professor
Education: Ph.D., Ecological Community Psychology, Michigan State University
Research Fields: Community psychology, community organizing, racial and social justice
Methodological Expertise: advanced quantitative methods and analysis, social network analysis, survey methods, interview methods, hard to reach populations
Joseph J. Ferrare
Associate Professor
Education: Ph.D., Curriculum Theory & Research Methods, University of Wisconsin, Madison
Research Fields: Education policy, policy formation, policy networks
Methodological Expertise: Social network analysis, clustering and scaling, mixed methods, research design
Martha Groom
Professor
Education: Ph.D., Zoology, University of Washington
Research Fields: Biodiversity Conservation, Land Use Planning, Sustainable Development, Environmental Justice, Ecology
Methodological Expertise: Experimental design, Quantitative and some Qualitative methods (survey and interview)
Jin-Kyu Jung
Professor
Education: Ph.D., Geography, State University of New York at Buffalo
Research Fields: Urban Geography, Urban Planning
Methodological Expertise: Geographic Information Sciences (GIS); participatory mapping; qualitative/mixed methods
Keith Nitta
Associate Professor
Education: Ph.D., Political Science, University of California Berkeley
Research Fields: Education Policy, Policy Process, Politics
Methodological Expertise: Interviewing, Focus Groups, Survey, Program Evaluation
Robert Turner
Teaching Professor
Education: Ph.D. Marine Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Research fields: Environmental management and monitoring, Enviromental geography, Environment and Sustainability
Graduate Programs Staff
Learn about IAS Graduate Programs staff members. Feel free to contact us with any questions or to get more information about our graduate programs!
Crystal Galván, M.A.
Graduate Programs Manager and Advisor
Crystal Galván brings seven years of experience in supporting students from minoritized, low socio-economic, and first-generation backgrounds in higher education. She earned dual bachelor’s degrees from Washington State University; B.A. in Comparative Ethnic Studies (minor in Spanish) and a B.A. in Sociology. Crystal earned her master’s from the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) in Latin American and Latinx Studies (LALS). In her most recent role as the Assistant Director for the TRIO Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program at Purdue University Northwest, she led the preparation of McNair Scholars for graduate education (i.e. summer research internship, graduate portfolio seminars, and scholarly workshops) and managed day-to-day operations.
She was born and raised in Eastern Washington, and is proud of her migrant/farmworker background. At the University of Washington Bothell, she looks forward to working with IAS graduate students, and the UW Bothell community. As a graduate advisor & manager her main priorities are graduate student success and access for future graduate students. In her free time, Crystal likes to go out dancing, listen to dembow & reggaeton, and spend time with her loved ones!
Eva Navarijo
Director, Academic Services & Advising
Eva Navarijo comes to IAS with 12 years direct experience advising first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented university students in academic, study abroad, and residence hall settings. She also brings significant experience with grant-funded program management and assessment. As the former director of the First Scholars program at Washington State University she has overseen programming, counseling, and advising for first-generation college students; led a living learning community for first-generation college students; and co-founded First-Generation Abroad, to increase access to study abroad and global leadership learning opportunities. She also trains faculty and staff on best practices for engaging and serving first-generation students.
As an undergraduate at Washington State University, Eva participated in TRIO Student Support Services and was selected to join the McNair Achievement Program. She graduated with an Honors BA in English, focused on Multicultural Literature and Pedagogy. She completed graduate studies at Saint Louis University in the American Studies program.
Chelsea Nesvig
Research Librarian
Contact Chelsea Nesvig
As Policy Studies Librarian, Chelsea assists students in conducting research and literature reviews for course assignments and capstone projects. She works with students both in the classroom and on a one-to-one basis.
Chelsea graduated with her MLIS from the University of Washington iSchool in June 2014. She joined the Campus Library in January 2015 and has taught online and face-to-face in the lower division information literacy curriculum at both UW Bothell and Cascadia, along with providing instruction and support to faculty and students in UW Bothell’s School of Nursing and Health Studies. Chelsea became the Global & Policy Studies librarian in April 2016.
Current Students
Read about some of our dynamic Policy Studies graduate students and their interests.
2024 Cohort
- Brianna Fero
- Karen Gamez Lopez
- Mohammed Hamad
- Azaria Hickey
- Ryan Lanphere
- Stephanie Le
- Gavin MacMillan
- Estefanía Medina Salas
- Lizbeth Rodríguez
- Miranda Swanson
- Holly Zhang
Brianna Fero [she/hers]
EDUCATION
A.A in Global Studies, Seattle Central Community College
B.A. in Global Studies, Minor in Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies, University of Washington Bothell
RESEARCH INTERESTS
International Affairs; Feminist Writing; Political Journalism
SNAPSHOT
Brianna, or Bri, moved from Arizona in 2020 and graduated from UWB in 2024. Now pursuing her MA in Policy Studies, she is passionate about making a global impact, focusing on human rights, women’s and children’s rights, cultural preservation, and ethical development. With aspirations to work in the international arena, Bri aims to follow up her Master’s with a PhD. Outside of her academic pursuits, she enjoys paddleboarding and traveling to historically rich destinations, always seeking new adventures which deepen her understanding of the world.
Karen Gamez Lopez [she/her/ella]
EDUCATION
A.A., Green River College
B.A., University of Washington Seattle
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Immigration policy, racial equity, feminism and reproductive justice, & representation in government and electoral accessibility
SNAPSHOT
Karen Arlette Gamez Lopez currently serves as the Engagement Director for Fuse, the state’s largest progressive organization. Through her role, she leads a statewide fellowship program where college students are employed to do voter registration on their campuses. Karen is originally from Sinaloa, Mexico, and grew up in Kent, WA. She graduated from Green River College and the University of Washington. Karen has been an advocate for immigrant rights since high school, when she began sharing her story as an undocumented student in the capital. This state-wide advocacy led to the WA State Real Hope Act being signed into law in 2014, expanding state financial aid to students like herself. This movement was the catalyst in her advocacy, leading her to continue to advocate at the state and national level for immigrant rights. Karen strives to serve and uplift immigrants, the Latino/a/x community, survivors of abuse, and all other marginalized communities. She also loves to dance, travel, and try new restaurants!
Azaria Hickey [she/hers]
EDUCATION
B.A. in Psychology, Oregon State University
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Social Welfare
SNAPSHOT
Azaria’s upbringing was rooted in the social welfare systems of California through foster care, public housing, public medical care and monthly food stipends. Being raised by a retiree and seeing firsthand the complications and reassurances that the social security system provides for the elderly are the drivers of Azaria’s compassion for low-income and elderly communities. She has explored psychological research on topics of race, industrial organization, personality, and food systems in her undergraduate studies and is excited to apply her lived and learned experiences to the creation of public policies. When not working or studying, she enjoys family time and exploring current artistry through dance, choreography, performance, and fashion.
Ryan Lanphere [he/him]
EDUCATION
B.A. in Law, Economics, and Public Policy, University of Washington Bothell
RESEARCH INTERESTS
City and governmental planning, policy analysis, sustainability, politics and governance
SNAPSHOT
With a strong passion for public policy, I am deeply engaged in the intricacies of city and governmental planning. My interests lie at the intersection of policy analysis, sustainability, and governance, where I strive to create innovative solutions for urban challenges. I believe that effective policy can transform communities, enhance quality of life, and promote environmental stewardship. Through my studies and practical experiences, I have developed a keen understanding of the complexities of political systems and the importance of inclusive decision-making. I am particularly interested in how sustainable practices can be integrated into urban planning to foster resilient cities. Committed to civic engagement, I aim to contribute to meaningful dialogues around policy development that prioritize equity and sustainability for future generations.
Gavin MacMillan [he/him]
EDUCATION
B.A. in Law, Economics, and Public Policy, University of Washington Bothell
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Homelessness and poverty
SNAPSHOT
I’m Gavin MacMillan, someone who is passionate about life, loves to meet people, and explore the world around me! I love hiking and drumming, hobbies such as this, feed how energetic I am, and they make me feel the most alive I can be. I am excited to go into MAPS and hopefully make a positive impact in the policy world.
Lizbeth Rodríguez [she/hers]
EDUCATION
A.A. in Policy Studies, Everett Community College
B.A. in Law, Economics, and Public Policy; Minors in Human Rights and Diversity Studies, University of Washington Bothell
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Human Rights
SNAPSHOT
A bilingual Chicana who is interested in Human Rights, especially for minority communities.
Miranda Swanson [she/hers]
EDUCATION
B.A. in Gender, Women, & Sexuality Studies and Society, Ethics, & Human Behavior, University of Washington Bothell
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Sex Education Policies, Gender & Sexual Identity Research
SNAPSHOT
I’m a UWB Alumni returning for my MA in Policy Studies after 5 years of working different corporate jobs. I’m interested in education policies, specifically around sex education, and how those affect our youth across the nation. I hope to make a difference in education policies and access to informative and accurate information for those alike.
Holly Zhang [she/her]
EDUCATION
B.A. in Global Studies and minor in Policy Studies, University of Washington Bothell
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Health Care, Homelessness, and foster care for youth
SNAPSHOT
I am a current student at UWB for my graduate degree in the MA in Policy Studies (MAPS). I am a minority woman and entrepreneur in Bellevue. I own a retail pearl jewelry store in the Shops at The Bravern in downtown Bellevue, our store has been there for 12 years. The field of Policy Studies has a special interest to me. Because of my background, life experience, and perseverance, I’m interested in helping our future generations. I’m active in our local communities and proactive for justice and human rights. I care about our future well-being. I took the opportunity to run for Bellevue City Council in 2019. What a great experience! I decided to go back to UWB to gain more education and learn more about our society, especially the history of Western Civilization. I have taken some classes in mathematics, history, political science, business, etc. I’m still active in local politics to help candidates win. I have committed to finishing my master’s degree. I want to use my knowledge to fight for justice and to find solutions to our crisis of homelessness, foster care system problems, healthcare issues, and the housing crisis. I know I can use the research tools and work with professors from the Policy Studies graduate program at UWB to find better solutions. I want to learn from the best at UWB.
2023 Cohort
- Nubah Anan
- Nick D’Ambrioso
Graduate Student Representatives (GSR)
GSRs facilitate mechanisms and spaces by which students in the program can contribute to discussions about the program and degree. In this capacity they serve as a resource to other students and the program director.
- GSRs for the 2024-2025 cohort: TBD.
Alumni
Our alumni work in a variety of policy-related settings across professional sectors. Learn about their experiences in the program and how they are applying their degrees.
Alumni Ambassadors are alumni representatives who embody the values and aims of the M.A. in Policy Studies program. As alumni working across diverse roles and sectors, they support prospective students, current students, and fellow alumni by sharing how they’ve translated their degrees and navigated their careers.
Learn about our Alumni Ambassadors and email iasgrad@uw.edu to be connected.
Asiya (Asiya Budden) Abdul-Alim, ’18
Asiya (Asiya Budden) Abdul-Alim (She/Her) is Scheduling Case Manager and President of ASPIRE (African Americans, Successfully, Promoting, Inclusivity, Respect & Equity) at Dendreon. Asiya is an innovative problem solver, who believes that every problem has a solution. Her strengths are training and development, effective leadership, policy procedure, development and implementation. She thrives in a workplace environment that fosters an open door policy and celebrates creative problem solving, innovation and diversity.
At Dendreon, Asiya oversees the scheduling and monitoring patients’ treatments in a diverse environment, with an emphasis on patient experience. She manages the creation and execution of production plans supporting treatment, including but not limited to production and demand planning, logistics analysis, scheduling, and real-time product monitoring.
Joren Clowers, ’18
Joren Clowers is a Government Relations Liaison and lobbyist working at the Washington State Legislature where he represents association and business interests. He previously worked as a Legislative Assistant in the State House of Representatives and as a Campaign Manager for a successful State House race. During his M.A, Joren worked as the Student Assistant in the UW Bothell Office of Government & Community Relations.
Joren received his M.A. in Policy Studies (‘18) from UW Bothell where he researched voting trends of young adults. He also attended UW Bothell for undergraduate coursework where he double majored in Law, Economics & Public Policy and American Ethnic Studies with a minor in Human Rights (’17).
Marjan Didra,’19
Marjan Didra moved to the United States in 2009. She holds an M.A. in Policy Studies and B.A. in Gender Women and Sexuality Studies from the University of Washington Bothell. Marjan believes in public service and started her mission of serving her community in 2012 through canvassing, fundraising, and advocating for marginalized communities.
Marjan also has a lived experience as a spouse of a Veteran and is currently working as a Director of Veterans Affairs for Senator Murray’s office. She continues her mission of service by assisting our Washington State Veterans and their families to make sure their voice is heard and that they have access to existing resources.
Kaylee Galloway, ’18
Kaylee Galloway graduated from UW Bothell with her M.A. in Policy Studies in 2018. She currently works for the Washington State House of Representatives as a Legislative Assistant to Representative Debra Lekanoff (40th LD). Galloway previously served as Community Liaison for Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) in Whatcom and Skagit Counties and as a Staff Assistant for Senator Maria Cantwell in Washington, D.C.
Kaylee has extensive outreach experience where she has engaged government officials and stakeholders on a diverse range of topics. Her passions include climate change, renewable energy, green buildings, agriculture, green transportation and infrastructure, which she was able to explore through her capstone on sustainable community development and relevant local, state and federal policy. Her undergraduate work at Western Washington University included a Bachelors in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics in addition to minors in Energy Policy and Law, Diversity & Justice.
David Gordon, ’16
David Gordon holds an M.A. in Policy Studies from UW Bothell where he researched the negative effects of the United States sports betting prohibition (which may or may not have led to the Supreme Court overturning the prohibition in 2018!). David received his B.A. in Law, Economics and Public Policy (’14) from UW Bothell.
David has worked for the Seattle consulting firm Nickerson & Associates as a Policy Analyst focusing on progressive transportation policies and as Legislative Coordinator for Jefferson County, Colorado. He’s currently with Esource.com, a research and consulting resource for the Utility Industry, where he uses his policy background as a writer, editor, researcher, and subject matter expert.