Research creates a strong foundation for recommendations and decision making. Public Administrators must be able to implement policies based on sound information, whether from their own research or that of others. Understanding how to find information and how it can be utilized or applied is the basis of policy. 

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Standard C of the MPA Portfolio focuses on qualitative and quantitative research abilities through an understanding of how to find, analyze, and utilize methods to answer questions or policy problems. The works I selected to fulfill Standard C are from PAPA 6214: Processes and Analytical Approaches, PAPA 6224: Policy Design, Implementation, and Evaluation, and PAPA 6514: Public Administration and Policy Inquiry. 

 

The example for Standard C, Objective 1 is an Overview of the Mountain Valley Pipeline in Giles County from Processes and Analytical Approaches. The analysis summarizes the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP), the regulations surrounding it, and describes the implementation of policies on MVP for both policymakers and citizens. In this assignment, I interviewed a local landowner affected by the MVP to better understand the effects it had on her property. Following the interview and thorough examination of EPA regulations, local news, local activist sites, and pipeline documents, I gave direct policy recommendations to stakeholders in Southwest Virginia. These recommendations analyze regulatory tools that could be used to implement proposed policies. Through interviews and data analysis, this paper reflects both quantitative and qualitative research. 

 

The next example for Standard C, Objective 2 is a memo directed to my Policy Design classmates and the greater Virginia Tech community. This paper overviews the 2020 Virginia Tech Climate Action Commitment, Virginia Tech Greenhouse Gas Inventory, and the university’s goal to reach Carbon Neutrality by 2030. This work highlighted my ability to break down complex definitions and concepts to my peers in a digestible manner to ensure engagement with the presented content. In this memo, I utilized a policy alternatives matrix to present and weigh courses of action for Virginia Tech to use carbon offsets to reach their 2030 neutrality goal. My policy alternatives matrix was a professional tool that represented detailed data analysis and conveyed the complexity of carbon neutrality for Virginia Tech in a distinct graphic. I demonstrated my ability to research, understand, and then communicate technical information on carbon offset policy, and these skills are reflected throughout each section of the paper, resulting in informed recommendations. These skills reflect my ability to use data analysis to make sound policy decisions. 

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The last example for Standard C, Objective 3 is an Analysis of the Effects of Data Centers in Virginia from Public Administration and Policy Inquiry. My analysis presents detailed research on the distribution of data centers in Virginia and the statistical relationship of residential electric rates in counties, with factors such as electric providers, multiple years, and number of power generators considered. An ANOVA test and Regression Analysis were used to test my hypothesizes that there was a statistical relationship between data centers and changes in residential electric rates. This paper provides detailed graphics showcasing this relationship, highlighting my research capability and competency with intense data analysis. 

 

The MPA program has taught me how to research and discuss my work in a clear and professional manner. My selected works reflect my research capabilities for public policy issues and government functions.