Hi everyone! I'm Kabir, an international member of the class of '26, from New Delhi, India. I'm thinking of majoring in Psychology and Film & Media Studies. Outside the classroom, I enjoy watching movies, going on hikes, hanging out with my friends, and going on runs (if you see me on the streets of Hanover, say hi!) In the short while I've been here, I've come to love Dartmouth, so if you're interested in what I have to say, stick around! This should (hopefully) be fun :)
My Writing 5 class was definitely my favorite class this term — it opened my eyes to the realities of the food industry, strengthened my skills as a writer, and helped me make a ton of new friends.
My seminar was possibly the best class I've taken so far at Dartmouth. I learned about the importance of free speech and journalists in a democratic society, and how those rights to freedom are being stripped everywhere, all the time.
I've loved Cognitive Psychology as a class so far, especially because of the cool demos that the professor uses to illustrate every type of phenomena we learn about. From illusions to memory tests, it's so cool to see how the human psyche can be tricked so very easily.
Interviewing an Undergraduate at the Policy Research Shop
This week, I interviewed JJ Dega '26 about his work with the Policy Research Shop (PRS), the Rockefeller Center's research program that enables students to engage within policymaking in the New Hampshire and Vermont areas. A lot of prospective government majors read my blog and I thought it'd be useful to hear JJ's experience with the PRS!
1. JJ, how did you find out about the Policy Research Shop? Can you explain what it is?
I found out about the policy research shop enterprise through my public policy classes and from affiliated faculty members in the Rockefeller Centre who really encouraged me to explore it. Students who take up work with the PRS start with a policy research class in the fall, which can then become an independent study; through this process, you directly interact with elected policymakers and people who influence change!
2. Has it influenced your perspectives on public policy?
It has definitely done that! The most impactful aspect of the Policy Research Shop is that it provides Dartmouth students with an opportunity not only to study, but also inform public policy in New Hampshire and Vermont depending on the client. Since you do your research over two terms, you can go really in-depth and ideate ways to improve issues that people face everyday. It allowed me to think creatively about policy solutions that would be reasonable and feasible to implement, and propose those solutions to the political actors who can make that change. This whole program has solidified my belief that people-centred public policy programs truly impact lives in a positive way.
3. Can you share an experience where your research/recommendations directly contributed to policymaking in NH or VT?
Definitely. Last year, I worked on a project conducting a program evaluation of the New Hampshire Circuit Court navigator program. As a result of the research I was able to conduct over 5-6 months, my team and I provided the court system with 22 short-, medium-, and long-term recommendations to help improve the program. The New Hampshire Access to Justice Commission subsequently adopted the recommendations, and is working to implement them across the New Hampshire court system. This year, I've been working on research that'll be presented to the Vermont House Judiciary Committee later this month!
4. How has working with the Policy Research Shop shaped your Dartmouth experience?
In a really impactful way, honestly. The Policy Research Shop gave me real world experience of policy research and investigation skills, while exemplifying my interest in the intersection of law and policy. I got to understand and really de-construct issues facing local populations around Dartmouth; I don't know anywhere else that I'd get such hands-on experience conducting research in the field. As a result of my PRS experience, I'll be conducting a similar type of program evaluation in the US Northern District of Illinois Courthouse this summer. I'm so grateful for the tangible skills I've learned, and the policy actors that I've been able to meet—from New Hampshire Supreme Court Justices to Vermont Legislators. It's been a reminder that policy happens everywhere, and the next generation can help impact it has!
I asked JJ just these four questions, but I think it definitely goes to show (especially if you're interested in government/the greater policy space), Dartmouth has a variety of tools to prepare you as you make your mark in the real world! Let me know if you have any more questions for me or for JJ.
Dartmouth requires all students to take three PE/Wellness classes in order to graduate. Upon hearing glowing recommendations, I chose to take the wellness sampler offered by the Student Wellness Center as a way to fulfill this requirement.
One of the most rewarding parts of my time at Dartmouth so far has been participating in research. Read on to learn more about how Dartmouth makes research accessible for all students!
