Executive Board
Subiksha Ramakrishnan, Editor-in-Chief
Subiksha Ramakrishnan is the Editor-in-Chief of the Public Purpose Journal and a second-year Master of Public Policy student with an interest in foreign policy focusing on agriculture and food insecurity. She currently works as a writing tutor at the American University and intern at the Cato Institute focusing on media relations and foreign policy. Subi has a post-graduate diploma in new media journalism and worked as a sub-editor for two years. For undergraduate degree, she did triple major in english literature, sociology, and history. As an undergraduate student, she volunteered with different NGOs in India where she taught young children English. In her free time, Subi enjoys running, reading, and video editing.
Emma Craig, Managing Print Editor
Emma is a second-year Master of Public Policy student with a focus in Economic Policy. She was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska and is currently a Legislative Analyst working in the housing sector. When not working or studying, Emma can be found either running, reading, or spending time with friends. Her favorite things to do in DC are to go to museums or enjoy a rooftop moment! Her favorite song is “…Ready For It?” by Taylor Swift.
David Yao, Managing Online Editor
David is a second-year Master of Public Administration student. He was born in Taiwan and moved to Seattle. David graduated with a bachelor’s in political science and history from American University in 2022 and hopes to work in health policy advocacy someday. In his spare time, David like to read, cook, wander around DC, or spend an afternoon in the National Portrait Gallery. One of his favorite songs right now is “Cornelia Street” by Taylor Swift
Lindsay Selfridge, Associate Online Editor
Lindsay is a second-year Master of Public Policy student with interests in environmental and energy policy. She is originally from Lemont, IL, and moved to DC last August. She graduated from Coe College with a bachelor’s in philosophy and environmental studies. She continues to work as an intern with EPA this fall semester. In her free time, she loves to read and go on walks around DC.
Carsen Lennon, Communications Director
Carsen is a second-year Master’s of Public Policy student. She is originally from New Jersey but went to school in upstate New York, where she graduated with a bachelor’s in environmental studies. That continues to be her policy interest when taking courses at SPA and working in DC. In her free time, Carsen enjoys DC sunsets and being outdoors! One of her favorite songs right now is “Young Once” by Sam Hunt.
Taylor Thomas, Finance Director
Taylor Thomas is a second-year Master of Public Policy student from Columbia, Maryland. She earned a bachelor’s in public policy and theatre from the University of Maryland and is currently interning at the Union of Concerned Scientists. After graduation, Taylor plans to continue environmental justice advocacy work in the nonprofit sector. An avid coffee lover, her favorite thing to do in DC is find new cafes to grab a latte or cappuccino. Outside of school and work, she loves to sing alone or with friends, using our many karaoke machines. Right now, her favorite song to sing and listen to is “Alien Superstar” by Beyoncé.
Resident Editors
Ashraya Kalavakunta
Ashraya Kalavakunta is a second year MPP student concentrating in international development and public management. She has a special interest in sustainable development and women and children’s rights. Ashraya graduated with a B.A. in political science and international affairs from the University of California, Riverside. She worked as a consultant on water and public transportation projects before moving to DC for grad school. In her free time she likes exploring new food places, hiking, and tutoring.
Breckyn Ryg
Breckyn Ryg is a second-year Master of Public Policy (MPP) student concentrating in social, racial, and criminal justice policy. She received her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Neurobiology and Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is native to the Milwaukee, WI area. Her research and policy interests center on antiracist, public health approaches to systemic inequities, particularly relating to criminal and juvenile justice, socioeconomic disadvantage, urban neighborhoods, and transportation. She has worked in a variety of public and private spheres. In her free time, she loves hiking, cooking, eating, dancing, traveling, and singing in the AU Chorus!
Columnists
Christen Blades
Christen Blades is a second year graduate student who is pursuing her master’s in political science with a concentration in comparative politics. In 2020, she received her B.A. in history from Bridgewater College. Besides being a student, she is the historian for American University’s Graduate Black Student Union and is a high school English teacher.
Joi Lee
Joi Lee is a first year MPP student with an interest in residential policy and health entrepreneurship. Before obtaining her MD/PhD, she looks to strengthen her understanding of residential policies and their influence on factors related to comprehensive care in historically Black neighborhoods. She is originally from Orange County, California where she developed her passion for healthcare services in vulnerable patient care. As a fellow and research assistant at The University of California San Francisco, she founded and led initiatives to reduce health disparities nationally and globally, and continues to advocate for policies and structures that endorse leadership by the communities most impacted. Her aim is to strengthen and create national systems of comprehensive care in historical Black neighborhoods that lack resources, personnel and funding for autonomous medical structures.
Cam Napier
Cam Napier is a second-year Master of Public Policy student at American University’s School of Public Affairs with specific interests in equitable urban growth and climate and environment policy. He is originally from Nashville, Tennessee, and graduated from Rhodes College with a degree in urban studies and a minor in music. Cam currently works as a policy analyst for a government affairs and consulting firm in downtown Washington, D.C. In addition to scholarship and professional experience in public policy, Cam enjoys jazz and blues music, film photography, and creative writing. Following graduation from American University, he plans to pursue a career working in social and political research or continue pursuing government affairs.
Andres Blume
Andres Blume is a Master of Public Policy student at American University’s School of Public Affairs. Originally from Peru, he did his undergraduate in communication and advertising at the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru (PUCP). Since then, he has worked on education projects in the Peruvian private and public sectors. Currently, Andres is working as a Graduate Research Assistant for AU’s School of Education. He is interested in education and tech policy and plans to complete a concentration
Trevaughn Smith
Trevaughn Smith is a second-year Master of Public Policy student concentrating in Cybersecurity Policy at American University, with interests ranging from data privacy and ethics to computer security. He attended Hartwick College where he graduated with degrees in political science and computer science. Trevaughn currently works at Middle Seat Digital, a full-service digital firm that works exclusively with progressive candidates and causes across the country. When not working or representing graduate students as the President of GSC at the School of Public Affairs, he enjoys talking about the state of the tech world, cybersecurity policy, books to read, and finding things to eat.
Amma-Sika Adomako
Amma-Sika Adomako is a first year MPP student with interests in international development, comparative pol, and African economies. Prior to joining American University, she served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Senegal, West Africa. She currently works at the General Services Administration. During her spare time, Amma-Sika loves cuddling up to a good read, watching films with her husband, or indulging in other arts.
Tevin Williams
Tevin Williams is currently a FOIA professional working with a large sized federal government department and is a second-year Master of Public Policy student at American University’s School of Public Affairs with an interest in public health policy. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Justice Studies from Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from Adler University. His research and area of interest are primarily public health policy at the federal government level.
Christopher Fields
Chris Fields is a second-year Master of Public Administration student concentrating in policy analysis. He is originally from Greensboro, North Carolina, and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a B.A. in journalism and mass communication. After spending the previous eight years working in social media, he is looking forward to expanding his writing beyond 280 characters.
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