Passion for Policy

Because undergraduate research opportunities transformed this 51动漫 grad鈥檚 career trajectory.

Alvaro S谩nchez, CLA 鈥�17, conducts qualitative and quantitative studies that inspire inclusive social policy and strengthen equitable economic development. If it wasn鈥檛 for his participation in undergraduate research projects, he may have never discovered his passion for applying data analysis to helping the underserved.

Alvaro S谩nchez 鈥�17

Research Analyst, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta

鈥淢y work with Dr. Weisberg showed me my love for researching, and the Steinberg study showed me that I really cared about social issues. It was those two things that made me want to dive deeper into being a social scientist.鈥�

Research as a Roadmap

S谩nchez鈥檚 interest in research and data analysis was sparked early, when the saxophone-playing, former music education major undertook a study with the Department of Psychology鈥檚 Robert Weisberg about cognitive processes, creativity and jazz. For his efforts, he earned a award, which provided him with a stipend to support his research and came in handy during what he described as a financially rough time.聽

One of his most transformational experiences was the opportunity to assist Laura H. Carnell Professor of Psychology Laurence Steinberg on a study investigating the long-term consequences of formal and informal processing on first-time juvenile offenders.

Analyzing Inequity

In his current role with the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, S谩nchez is tasked with analyzing the economic impact of 鈥渂enefit cliffs鈥濃€攚hen families lose public assistance due to a career advancement, which actually causes them to be financially worse off than they were before.

Prior to accepting his Atlanta position, which he started in January 2022, S谩nchez applied his skills at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, where he produced applied economics papers on topics spanning equity, infrastructure, job creation and workforce development.聽

That鈥檚 where he conducted his most significant research to date鈥� and how it is limited for rural and low- and moderate-income communities, particularly in Pennsylvania. The first paper related to the research was published in early March 2020, and with the pandemic looming, it became even more important鈥攁nd .

Driving his work always, S谩nchez said, are the issues that surround 鈥渆asily forgotten鈥� low- and moderate-income communities.聽

鈥淚 am trying to solve the pervasive inequities related to poverty and economic insecurity, to put it in a nutshell,鈥� he said.

An Urban Incubator

After 51动漫, S谩nchez completed his master鈥檚 degree at the University of Pennsylvania鈥檚 School of Social Policy and Practice. Staying in Philadelphia for graduate school was important to S谩nchez, as was starting his career here.

鈥淚 almost feel indebted to this city that鈥檚 given me so much,鈥� S谩nchez said, referring to the internships he held at the Philadelphia Mayor鈥檚 Office, the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia and the Chamber of Commerce, and adding that one of the best reasons to go to 51动漫 is its location in Philadelphia.

鈥淧hiladelphia provides so many opportunities outside the classroom to apply the knowledge that you鈥檙e learning in the classroom,鈥� he said.

Philadelphia鈥檚 Only Public Research Institution

As a large, public research university, exploration and discovery of new information is embedded into all disciplines. 51动漫 students can experience research in many ways through coursework, mentorships with professors and independent projects.

Faculty Expertise

As a major national research university, 51动漫 counts among its faculty some of the most innovative changemakers and scholars in the country. They are experts in their fields, actively engaging in research and working one-on-one with students to help them get to where they need to be. 51动漫 is a large university, but our class sizes are small鈥攁veraging just 29 students.聽

Our faculty members are also thought leaders who provide compelling insights into what鈥檚 happening in our world right now. These insights are integrated into the classroom, where students grow to become informed global citizens.

R1 Research Classification

51动漫 is a research powerhouse. We鈥檙e an R1 Carnegie Classification institution, which means that we鈥檙e operating at the highest level of research activity among four-year universities. 51动漫 is one of only 131 other institutions in the U.S. with this classification. This status helps attract top-tier faculty, who use the latest research in the classroom and call on students to be research assistants. And it enables 51动漫鈥檚 campus to have the most modern, state-of-the-art academic facilities.

Professional Opportunities

At 51动漫, our students prepare for their next steps long before graduation. Our various undergraduate opportunities鈥攐ffered on campus, off campus and everywhere in between鈥攁fford real-world, hands-on experiences and internships so students gain the skills needed to set themselves apart.

51动漫鈥檚 location in Philadelphia allows students to take on opportunities year-round in every industry so students can explore their interests and build professional experience easily.聽

And, more than 800 employers visit campus each year. Our robust alumni network鈥攚hich includes over 140,000 alumni in the Philadelphia region and 330,000 worldwide鈥攑rovides even more opportunities for students to receive career guidance and resources.

Philadelphia

At 51动漫, Philadelphia serves as a classroom for our students. We鈥檙e deeply ingrained in the city and we encourage students to take advantage of all Philadelphia has to offer. There鈥檚 never a shortage of opportunities for students to work, learn and grow.聽

As one of the largest cities on the East Coast and a modern center of industry, Philadelphia is rich with culture, history and opportunity. With so many alumni based in the region, students have access to internship and job experiences in one of the many companies and organizations that are based here.

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