Frances Marie Pugh ’20 Awarded Public Policy and International Affairs Fellowship The PPIA fellowship program helps students achieve a master’s or joint degree, typically in public policy, public administration, international affairs or a related field.

By Erica Turman
March 26, 2019

Frances Marie Pugh ’20 has been awarded a Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA) Junior Summer Institute Fellowship at Carnegie Mellon University for the summer of 2019. Pugh is an economics major who is pursuing a minor in education.

“When I first found out that I had received the fellowship, I was extremely excited,” said Pugh. “It’s a very competitive scholarship so I wasn’t expecting to receive it. The PPIA is an incredible opportunity to explore the world of public policy and the demands of graduate school. I’m looking forward to being able to take courses with the professors at the Heinz College of Public Policy and Management, as well as being able to dive deeper into data analysis to evaluate and create effective policies. I’m also looking forward to being able to hear the diverse perspectives of the 19 other fellows in this program, who care as passionately about the field of public policy and international affairs as I do.”

The PPIA fellowship program helps students achieve a master’s or joint degree, typically in public policy, public administration, international affairs or a related field.

“Frances Marie brings a passion for connecting theory and evidence with actual policies,” said Tim Diette, associate professor of economics and Pugh’s advisor. “In class, she always pushed for us to move from the abstract to how we can design and implement policies that address real world challenges. I am thrilled that she will have this opportunity to spend a summer learning and building relationships with other future leaders from across the country. ”

Around campus, Pugh is involved in multiple organizations. She is a co-leader of the First-Generation Low-Income Partnership (FLIP), a member of the leadership team for W&L’s Campus Kitchen and a Volunteer Venture leader, and she holds a work-study position as a web specialist in the University Store.