Public policy alumni showcase their learning at annual capstone symposium

The topics ranged from campaigns of disinformation, to regulating long-acting reversible contraceptive devices, and more. Business, community and policy leaders attended The School of Public Policy’s annual Capstone Symposium to hear from recent Master of Public Policy (MPP) graduates.

The capstone is the final project for all MPP students. It is an applied research paper on a complex policy topic that requires the students to integrate all of their coursework and learnings to analyze a specific policy issue.

Dr. Pierre-Gerlier Forest, PhD, director of The School and James S. and Barbara A. Palmer Chair in Public Policy, addressed the event, saying, “What I find most remarkable is the breadth of topics and issues being researched – all with tremendous academic rigour. Our students’ work reflects what The School has been achieving for 10 years — timely, important and accessible research that improves Canadians’ lives.” 

MPP graduates delivered three-minute presentations about their capstone projects, which were followed by a networking session and opportunities for additional presentations to small groups.

Students choose their capstone projects based on their policy interests. This ensures that each year's Capstone Symposium tackles new and exciting policy areas, and keeps it interesting for returning attendees.

"My job is to stay up at night thinking about the future of Calgary, and after attending this year's Capstone Symposium I can rest a little easier,” says Jason Ribeiro, director of strategy at Calgary Economic Development, and a PhD candidate at the University of Calgary.

Many of the presentations provided direct insight into how we can thoughtfully advance the community's economic strategy, Calgary in the New Economy.

“The School of Public Policy continues to be a hub for both policy analysis and best practices in implementation," Ribeiro adds. 

The Capstone Symposium provides a unique occasion for current MPP students to connect with peers, alumni and local organizations, and see first-hand the benefits of the MPP program.

Laura Flinkfelt, a current MPP student, says, "It was a wonderful opportunity to engage with past students and become inspired by their work. I developed a better understanding of how to approach the capstone project as well as how to translate ideas into polished policy pieces."

Interested in the MPP program? Applications for Fall 2020 admission are now open. The deadline to submit all application material is Feb. 1, 2020. Apply online today.

The School of Public Policy is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2019. Watch the video: