Want to learn more about the UVA Batten student experience? Be sure to check out the second part of this blog series to meet the other half of our ambassador team!
Name: Sonali Doshi
Hometown: Vienna, Va.
Year: MPP Class of 2027
Undergraduate University and Major(s)/Minor(s): American University; Public Relations and Strategic Communications majors with a minor in Sustainability
What professional/work experience did you have prior to coming to UVA Batten?: I am focused on designing and advancing equitable and sustainable solutions to complex societal challenges. Before attending UVA Batten, I built a diverse background in strategic communications, serving in key roles across various sectors, including financial services, public health, government contracting and higher education. Originally from Vienna, Va., I bring a proven passion for strategic storytelling and inclusive policy design to my academic research and professional pursuits.
Policy Interests: Higher Education, Sustainability, Corporate Social Responsibility, Inclusion & Access
Email: ssd8ws@virginia.edu
Why I Chose UVA Batten: I was so impressed with how genuine and warm the people are, and I wanted to have a very strong foundation across all areas of public policy.
Favorite UVA Batten Project or Class: Psychology for Leadership
Student Organization Involvement: Graduate Assistant for the Ohrstrom-Bryant Jeffersonian Dialogue Dinner Series and Lead Graduate Student Ambassador!
Fun Fact About Me: I LOVE music and was in choir, theater and acapella my whole life!
Reach Out To Me About: Shared policy interests, coming back to graduate school after working for a few years and anything DC-related.
Name: Rafa del Rosario
Hometown: Herndon, Va.
Year: MPP Class of 2026
Undergraduate University and Major(s)/Minor(s): James Madison University; International Affairs with a focus on the Middle East and North Africa.
What professional/work experience did you have prior to coming to UVA Batten?: I am a recently retired veteran of the United States Marine Corps. During my time in the Marine Corps, I served as an administrative section leader in a Medical Rehabilitation Unit, implementing a new case management system for injured Marines. Upon graduation from UVA Batten, I hope to enter either the Foreign Service or the Intelligence Community.
Policy Interests: National Security, Foreign Affairs, Family Policy
Email: rld3gyx@virginia.edu
Why I Chose UVA Batten: I chose UVA Batten because of the excellence and warmth I saw in its people!
Favorite UVA Batten Project or Class: Research Methods and Data Analysis I
Student Organization Involvement: National Security Policy Center/National Security Data and Policy Institute, Club Grappling and Catholic Student Orgs.
Fun Fact About Me: My max bench press is 320 lbs.
Reach Out To Me About: Shared policy interests, weightlifting, combat sports, literature, poetry or pizza.
Name: Seamus Finnegan
Hometown: Allentown, Pa.
Year: MPP/MBA Class of 2027
Undergraduate University and Major(s)/Minor(s): University of California, Los Angeles; Political Science Major
What professional/work experience did you have prior to coming to UVA Batten?: I worked in the Political Affairs Department at the Comcast Corporation in Philadelphia. I was responsible for implementing the pre-approval policies for the company’s political activities and supported Comcast’s five political action committees. This experience gave me firsthand insight into the relationship between businesses and government, and I was inspired to return to school to better understand how public policy can support company innovation and growth. I also completed an internship at the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, where I focused on developing policy solutions to support entrepreneurs and talent retention.
Policy Interests: Economic development, the future of work and technology policies
Email: xrr9ug@virginia.edu
Why I Chose UVA Batten: I chose Batten for the close-knit community, where you truly get to learn about each member of your cohort. The professors at Batten provide a world-class education and want to see you succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
Favorite UVA Batten Project or Class: Research Methods and Data Analysis I
Student Organization Involvement: I was a team lead for UVA Batten’s Formative Change Group, where we supported the marketing efforts for a local non-profit.
Fun Fact About Me: I spent time hiking the Pyrenees Mountains in Spain before coming to school.
Reach Out To Me About: Pursuing a combination degree, internships and Philadelphia sports (Go Birds!).
Name: Sarah King
Hometown: Richmond, Va. / Springfield, Va.
Year: MPP Class of 2026
Undergraduate University and Major(s)/Minor(s): Virginia Commonwealth University; B.A. in Political Science with a concentration in Civil Rights
What professional/work experience did you have prior to coming to UVA Batten?: I bring an interdisciplinary approach to public health policy informed by more than a decade of experience working in newsrooms and treatment centers for substance use and mental health disorders. Formerly an award-winning, long-form print journalist, I began my career deeply embedded in resilient communities to tell change-driven stories. Since 2020, I have worked to make recovery outcomes more accessible to underrepresented populations across the public, private and nonprofit sectors, and have presented at national conferences on evidence-based practices to build community resilience and heal trauma through Virginia’s Collegiate Recovery Scholarship program. I continue to teach Peer Recovery Specialist certification courses for the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services while attending UVA Batten.
Policy Interests: social welfare, health equity
Email: sk4tr@virginia.edu
Why I Chose UVA Batten: The tight-knit community and focus on leadership development.
Favorite UVA Batten Project or Class: Psychology for Leadership; Leadership in the Public Arena; Values-Based Leadership
Student Organization Involvement: Tadler Fellowship; Executive Editor of the Virginia Policy Review; Course Assistant for Politics of Public Policy and Psychology for Leadership
Fun Fact About Me: I practice daily yoga asana and completed my 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher in vinyasa, meridian, and trauma-informed practices with the Yoga Dojo in Richmond, Va. I’m now completing a 300-hour Ashtanga teacher training with the Ivy Yoga School in Charlottesville.
Reach Out To Me About: Deciding to pursue a post-graduate degree later in life (and all the scary things accompanying the decision to forgo income and assume debt!); career shifts; tattoos; books you love and ideas that excite you; recovery; yoga; food as medicine; anything outside; military and/or immigrant parents; siblings with special needs; dogs; cool socks.
Name: Brett Navarro
Hometown: Long Beach, Ca.
Year: MPP Class of 2026
Undergraduate University and Major(s)/Minor(s): Boise State University; Communication and Media
What professional/work experience did you have prior to coming to UVA Batten?: At Boise State University, I partook in numerous leadership, public speaking, and conflict resolution courses that helped inspire me to pursue my graduate degree. Additionally, a main focus of my undergrad was spent in University Television Production, an extensive course that dealt with the instructing, implementing, and production of media throughout the campus through both academic and private clientele. Additionally, I worked at several restaurants around Boise, frequently helping to organize and manage political events hosted at these locations, and also saving up for graduate school!
Policy Interests: I originally came to UVA Batten only interested in college and pro athletics opportunities, such as working in an athletics department in the legal department dealing with the future of NIL and university contracts. However, after my internship this summer at the World Wildlife Fund, I’ve grown interested in conservation and nonprofit work.
Email: shn2kd@virginia.edu
Why I Chose UVA Batten: Immediately upon my visit to UVA for admitted students’ day, I felt the welcoming presence of the staff and community. Every meeting outlined individuals who could help me with classes, tutoring, finding internships and jobs while also informing me about everything the town of Charlottesville had to offer. It just sort of felt like the right choice immediately, so much so that I was still confident about my decision after the second time my flight was delayed on the way home.
Favorite UVA Batten Project or Class: Congress 101 with Professor Warburg and Egorin
Student Organization Involvement: UVA Batten Ambassadors and Intramural Sports
Fun Fact About Me: I studied abroad in Italy my junior year of undergrad and love the beach (and SoCal)
Reach Out To Me About: Classes, Charlottesville, internships, conservation and more!
Name: Riley Busbee
Hometown: Roswell, Ga.
Year: MPP Class of 2027
Undergraduate University and Major(s)/Minor(s): College of William and Mary; B.A. in History and Government
What professional/work experience did you have prior to coming to UVA Batten?: As an undergraduate student, I was a Management Research Assistant at the Global Research Institute, Head Resident for the Bryan Complex, and Secretary General for the William and Mary Collegiate Model United Nations Conference. In my professional career, I worked for the U.S. Department of State within multiple offices and bureaus including the Office of Policy, Planning, and Resources for Public Affairs and Public Diplomacy, the Secretary’s Office for Global Women’s Issues, and the Bureau of Consular Affairs. I most recently worked as the Management Analyst for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement within the Europe and Asia Division. Upon graduation, I hope to return to the State Department and serve abroad as a Foreign Service Officer.
Policy Interests: Foreign affairs, public diplomacy, national security
Email: bkg5fu@virginia.edu
Why I Chose UVA Batten: I chose Batten because I wanted a more general policy degree and to expand my quantitative skills.
Favorite UVA Batten Project or Class: I’ve enjoyed writing memos in my Politics of Public Policy class because mine are all centered around foreign assistance.
Student Organization Involvement: Graduate Research Assistant at the National Security Data and Policy Institute.
Reach Out To Me About: Foreign affairs, diplomacy, returning to school after working, and my dog Toby.
Name: Cooper Strauss
Hometown: Rumson, N.J.
Year: MPP Class of 2026
Undergraduate University and Major(s)/Minor(s): Davidson College; A.B. in Political Science and Classical Studies
What professional/work experience did you have prior to coming to UVA Batten?: I completed internships in the environmental arm of the Department of Justice, at the Foreign Service Institute, and in the Mayor of Baltimore’s office. I was also the Director of the Davidson’s Impact Investment Fund. At Batten, I work as a Policy & Strategy Associate at East Point Energy, a subsidiary of Equinor, where I focus on battery storage siting and renewable energy strategy. Upon graduation, I hope to pursue a career in energy policy and sustainability.
Policy Interests: Renewables, Sustainability, Environmental Economics
Email: nne3wj@virginia.edu
Why I Chose UVA Batten: The culture and the people!
Favorite UVA Batten Project or Class: Congress 101
Student Organization Involvement: Head Graduate Teaching Assistant for Introduction to Public Policy
Fun Fact About Me: I am an uncle! I have four nieces and two nephews.
Reach Out To Me About: Environmental policy at UVA Batten, TAing or anything else!
Name: Ashley Elliott
Hometown: Olathe, Kan.
Year: MPP Class of 2027
Undergraduate University and Major(s)/Minor(s): Kansas State University, B.A. in History and Pre-Law with a minor in Classical Studies
What professional/work experience did you have prior to coming to UVA Batten?: As I grew up in Kansas, I have a fondness for rural communities and finding solutions to bridge gaps in their access to crucial needs, such as health care. Upon graduation, I hope to go to law school where I can further my knowledge and impact in the field of economic development.
Policy Interests: Economic development, tax reform and international trade.
Email: dvf4bm@virginia.edu
Why I Chose UVA Batten: The community at Batten felt the most encouraging and close-knit. I also appreciated the program’s leadership aspect, which I couldn’t find at other universities.
Favorite UVA Batten Project or Class: Econ I
Student Organization Involvement: Virginia Policy Review and UVA Chess Club
Name: Porter Bowman
Hometown: Darien, CT
Year: MPP/MBA Class of 2028
Undergraduate University and Major(s)/Minor(s): Middlebury College; major in International Politics and Economics and a minor in History
What professional/work experience did you have prior to coming to UVA Batten?: I recently called Washington D.C. home for the last three years. I worked for Accenture Federal Services, primarily on developing data and artificial intelligence strategies for cabinet-level agencies to build innovative and mission-driven use cases. In my spare time, I volunteered as the Communications Director in support of a winning campaign for Initiative 83, a D.C.-wide ballot initiative to implement ranked-choice voting and allowing independents to vote in local elections (beginning in 2026). During my time at Middlebury, I developed and taught one of the only student-run classes at the school: a winter term class on civil discourse entitled “Can’t We Just Talk It Out?” I am passionate about making our government and our elections more representative and our communities more collaborative and impactful.
Policy Interests: Election and Democracy Reform, Transportation
Email: sxw6qx@virginia.edu
Why I Chose UVA Batten: Batten provides a deep focus on both policy analysis skills and leadership skills, a balance that was very appealing to me in an MPP program. UVA Batten is also just such a wonderful community of learners and leaders, and I love coming to campus every day to learn from and with my classmates.
Favorite UVA Batten Project or Class: Research Methods and Data Analysis
Student Organization Involvement: Ohrstrom Bryant Jeffersonian Dialogue Dinners series.
Fun Fact About Me: I was on Jeopardy! when I was in high school!
Reach Out To Me About: Returning to graduate school after working for several years and combination degree programs.
Name: Gabriella Bartlett
Hometown: Johns Creek, Ga.
Year: MPP Class of 2026
Undergraduate University and Major(s)/Minor(s): University of North Georgia; B.A. in International Affairs and a minor in Spanish
What professional/work experience did you have prior to coming to UVA Batten?: Throughout my time at the University of tNorth Georgia, I won the William and Mary x NATO 2022 Global Innovation Challenge and worked with the Political Science and International Affairs Department. Both experiences fostered my interest in policy development. Upon graduation from the Frank Batten School, I hope to work in the federal sector in program development of international aid.
Policy Interests: International Development and Education.
Email: nmt7vp@virginia.edu
Why I Chose UVA Batten: The program’s diverse specializations and faculty expertise across sectors.
Favorite Batten Project or Class: 48-Hour Project and Economics of Public Policy I
Fun Fact About Me: I used to do aerial silks in high school.
Reach Out To Me About: Anything! I’m happy to chat about Batten, international development or anything else!
Name: Jason Lever
Hometown: Upper Saddle River, N.J.
Year: MPP Class of 2027
Undergraduate University and Major(s)/Minor(s): Hamilton College; major in Public Policy and a minor in Environmental Studies
What professional/work experience did you have prior to coming to UVA Batten?: I worked in D.C. as a Government Relations Associate at Merchant McIntyre & Associates, a government relations firm that helps local governments and nonprofits obtain federal funding. In this role, I specialized in helping cities and counties across the country leverage Congressionally Directed Spending and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law programs to advance transportation safety, sustainability, connectivity and economic development in their communities.
Policy Interests: Infrastructure, technology and the environment
Email: gsp8rc@virginia.edu
Why I Chose UVA Batten: I was drawn to Batten’s focus on teaching both technical policy analysis skills with leadership, communication and informed decision-making.
Favorite Batten Project or Class: Economics of Public Policy
Fun Fact About Me: I’ve sailed across the Atlantic Ocean!
Reach Out To Me About: Transitioning back to school after working full-time.
Name: Elizabeth Delaney (Sampsell)
Hometown: Virginia Beach, Va.
Year: MPP/MPH Class of 2028
Undergraduate University and Major(s)/Minor(s): University of Virginia; Cognitive Science major with a Philosophy concentration and a minor in Leadership and Public Policy
What professional/work experience did you have prior to coming to UVA Batten?: I have interned with the National Security Policy Center as a policy research assistant, exploring how mental health impacts military recruitment, and I also interned with the Peer Health Educators through UVA’s Department of Student Health and Wellness, managing the coordination and development of student health outreach programming on substance use, sexual health and bystander intervention.
Policy Interests: Criminal Justice, Prison Reform, Public Health, especially in relation to areas such as mental health, maternal health and substance misuse.
Email: tfx5ej@virginia.edu
Why I Chose UVA Batten: I chose Batten because the staff is so intentional and supportive. I also loved UVA for undergrad and wanted to stick around in Charlottesville!
Favorite Batten Project or Class: Psychology for Leadership
Student Organization Involvement: Student grader for the UVA American Sign Language (ASL) department, Graduate Assistant for UVA’s Peer Health Education program.
Fun Fact About Me: I used to work as a zipline tour guide!
Reach Out To Me About: Criminal justice policy, my church, the combination degree path, UVA’s ASL department.
Name: George Langhammer
Hometown: Roanoke, Va.
Year: MPP Class of 2026
Undergraduate University and Major(s)/Minor(s): Hampden-Sydney College; B.A. in Foreign Affairs and a minor in Spanish
What professional/work experience did you have prior to coming to UVA Batten?: While at Hampden-Sydney, I interned for Premier Inc., where I worked on trade, supply chain, and healthcare policy. Upon graduation from UVA Batten, I hope to work on policy challenges facing Virginia.
Policy Interests: National Security and Economic Development
Email: ffy7ed@virginia.edu
Why I Chose UVA Batten: Coming out of undergrad, I knew I wanted to shift into other policy areas, and I knew Batten would give me the skills and confidence to do that.
Favorite Batten Project or Class: Innovating for Defense
Batten/UVA Student Involvement: Honor Committee and the Virginia Policy Review
Fun Fact About Me: In my free time, I like to fly fish.
Reach Out To Me About: Cybersecurity policy, outdoor activities and student government.
Name: Abby Anger
Hometown: Knoxville, Tenn.
Year: MPP Class of 2026
Undergraduate University and Major(s)/Minor(s): The Catholic University of America; B.A. in Political Science and Psychology
What professional/work experience did you have prior to coming to UVA Batten?: Following graduation, I joined Teach for America Appalachia and taught first grade in Kentucky and West Virginia. Upon graduation from UVA Batten, I have committed to attending Notre Dame Law School.
Policy Interests: Education policy, rural policy and the intersection of policy and law.
Email: skq2wm@virginia.edu
Why I Chose UVA Batten: I chose Batten because of the incredible people and strong sense of community!
Favorite UVA Batten Project or Class: Leadership in the Public Arena and Impact Investing and Innovative Finance
Student Organization Involvement: Tadler Fellow in Impact Investing, Director of the Formative Change Group (Batten’s consulting club), Graduate Assistant with the Karsh Institute for Democracy and Graduate Assistant for the Ohrstrom Bryant Jeffersonian Dialogue Dinners
Fun Fact About Me: I love attending the UVA Batten Hour series! Batten Hour is a weekly event that features amazing speakers who talk about a range of interesting policy issues!
Reach Out To Me About: Education policy, the path to law school after Batten, and the transition to grad school from full-time work.
Name: Sarai Warrick
Hometown: Salisbury, Md.
Year: MPP Class of 2027
Undergraduate University and Major(s)/Minor(s): Washington and Lee University; B.A. in Cognitive and Behavioral Science with a minor in Entrepreneurship
What professional/work experience did you have prior to coming to UVA Batten?: I worked with the Virginia College Advising Corps (n/k/a AdviseVA) at Alleghany High School in Southwest Virginia. During this experience, I developed an interest in the education field and the preparation given to students for their post-secondary decision-making. At Batten, I hope to learn more about policy making and how politics play a role in “on the ground” work, especially in schools before working in local government or businesses that address education disparities.
Policy Interests: Education
Email: smw7sy@virginia.edu
Favorite Batten Project or Class: Psychology for Leadership
Reach Out To Me About: General graduate school application process.
Name: Aoife Chow
Hometown: Pasadena, Ca.
Year: MPP Class of 2027
Undergraduate University and Major(s)/Minor(s): Washington and Lee University; Politics and English major, Poverty and Human Capability Studies minor
What professional/work experience did you have prior to coming to UVA Batten?: Prior to coming to Batten, I spent three years working for Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger where I worked on issues of homelessness, behavioral health, and capital development. I am passionate about local government and hope to work in advocacy for local governments upon graduation.
Policy Interests: Local government, health policy
Email: ghj2cp@virginia.edu
Why I Chose UVA Batten: The people make the place and when I came for a visit, I was inspired by the tight-knit community.
Fun Fact About Me: I’m a dual citizen.
Reach Out To Me About: Working in local government, moving across the country (twice!) and baseball.
Name: Matt Cochis
Hometown: Apex, N.C.
Year: MPP Class of 2027
Undergraduate University and Major(s)/Minor(s): Roanoke College; major in Philosophy
What professional/work experience did you have prior to coming to UVA Batten?: Internships at the American Enterprise Institute and Fidelity Investments.
Policy Interests: Economic development, governance and accountability and anti-poverty programs.
Email: vnt3zj@virginia.edu
Why I Chose UVA Batten: I have always had the goal of holding a degree higher than a bachelor’s. Batten had everything I was looking for, whether that was size, course structure, network, etc.
Favorite UVA Batten Project or Class: Econ I
Student Organization Involvement: I am a member of the Virginia Policy Review, which is UVA’s policy journal.
Fun Fact About Me: I swam in undergrad!
Reach Out To Me About: Transitioning from a small school, music, Aristotle and anything in between!
