On May 9, the School of Public Policy held its first-ever capstone poster session for MPP students, marking a significant milestone in the presentation of student research. This innovative event was a pilot organized by David Backer, Research Professor in SPP and Research Director of CISSM. A main objective was to showcase the end products of client-based applied policy analytical research projects completed by 15 students enrolled in Backer’s section of the course, which focused on international security and development topics.
The dozens of attendees included other students as well as faculty, staff, and affiliates, drawing on the CISSM and SPP communities, but also attracting a wider audience from across UMD as well as several external participants. The involvement of the audience and the distinctive format facilitated in-depth interaction about various elements of the projects, creating a dynamic environment for intellectual exchange and professional networking. Everyone was impressed by the students' ambition in project design, diligence in implementation, and ability to illuminate their research with exemplary expertise and excitement. In the process, the students demonstrated their professionalism, command of subject matter and methodology, and ability to field inquiries, which are crucial for their future careers in policy roles.
The poster session served multiple purposes beyond just an occasion for presenting research. First-year MPP students received a preview of what to expect when undertaking their own capstone projects. As Adam Abdel-Qader remarked: “I now understand concretely what the capstone entails and the end goal. Before the poster session, the capstone was an abstract requirement, and the expectations were fuzzy. The exposure to the specific details of the interesting policy problems addressed by the students on behalf of the clients, the approaches to tackling these issues, and the findings of their research about potential solutions made me far more prepared and excited to pursue a capstone project of my own."
Similarly, faculty gained insights into the foundations that students need to succeed in their capstone projects. In particular, the products emphasized the importance of connections between the projects and other coursework. For example, when developing their research, creating posters, and presenting findings, several of the students employed skills and practices they learned in Data Analysis for Policymakers (PLCY798P), taught by Associate Research Professor and CISSM Senior Research Associate Charles Harry.
Backer reflected on the success of the event: "The poster session was effective in every way that I imagined. Seeing the students in action and the energy in the room validated the format as a great way to achieve many goals that are fundamental to the MPP program and the mission of SPP." Angela Bies (Endowed Associate Professor of Global Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership and Director of the PhD program in SPP) said simply: “I thought the session worked brilliantly.”
Building on the momentum, the next step is to expand the poster session to include students from the entire capstone course, further enhancing the reach and impact. Along with providing an outstanding venue to feature significant student research, the event also has the potential to double as an employment job fair and a means of recruiting new students to join SPP academic programs. In conjunction, SPP is keen to elevate the capstone course as a peak learning experience and a professional springboard for MPP students, by engaging more alumni and friends of SPP, as well as building community, government, and industry partnerships.
The opportunities include serving as project clients, offering subject matter expertise, hosting students for fieldwork, and providing financial support for research activities. Those interested in playing an active role in contributing to projects can contact David Backer. If you are interested in supporting capstone experiences like these, you can donate to the John Steinbruner Endowed Student Support Fund or reach out to Nick Brennan, Director of Development.
For more photos from the event, please visit our Flickr album.
