Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Anna Claire West is a dedicated laboratory scientist with background in both the natural sciences and public administration. With strong experience in implementing EPA and EPD environmental regulations and initiatives related to water quality, she has contributed to the betterment of public health across the southeastern United States. Before beginning her Master of Public Administration studies at the University of Georgia, she completed a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Political Science and a minor in French as well as a Bachelor of Science with a major in Biology and a minor in Environmental Studies at Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina. She is eager to build a stronger understanding of public administration, specifically as it pertains to local government, and intends to leverage her skills in environmental monitoring and public safety to enhance local initiatives. She has called Gwinnett County, Georgia, home for over 20 years and aims to commit to public service for the benefit of her community.

Education
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Bachelor of Arts, Presbyterian College, 2023, Political Science

Bachelor of Science, Presbyterian College, 2023, Biology

Anna Claire West graduated from Presbyterian College summa cum laude in 2023. During her undergraduate career, she had the opportunity to study the innerworkings of local politics through many educational experiences. The most notable being her work with her peers to develop an advised policy recommendation for the Laurens County Council in Laurens County, South Carolina, regarding future planning policies and zoning ordinances as coursework in the field of policy analysis. As a culmination of her undergraduate studies, Anna successfully completed and defended two capstone research projects. Her research in Political Science, titled “Who speaks for the trees? An analysis of the drivers behind tree ordinances in American municipalities,” explored the driving forces behind municipal tree ordinances across the United States. Her research in Biology, titled “Roles of Jasmonic Acid and Ethylene in Inducing Systemic Response,” explored the roles of plant hormones in the prevention of bacterial canker disease in tomato plants. In 2023, she attended IDRAC Business School in Lyon, France, for a summer semester exchange program where she completed course work in French Language Studies and Intercultural Business Communication.

More About
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Relevant Work Experience

Laboratory Scientist, Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division, 2023 – Present

Research Interests
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Local Government Sustainability Initiatives

Public Health Crisis Prevention and Mitigation

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