Stopping Problems at the Source

With Alum Elizabeth Schwaner '20, '21G (MPP)
Carsey School MPP Student Elizabeth Schwaner

"I am pursuing the Masters in Public Policy so that I can stop the problems at their source."

      ~(MPP) Student Elizabeth Schwaner  Londonderry, NH


Goals: After becoming involved with community organizations focusing on underprivileged youth and Indigenous peoples in New Hampshire, I started to notice the systemic issues that create unjust situations for these and other groups. This realization motivated me to purse a degree in policy so that I can help stop the problems at the source through public policy.
Recipient of 2020 recipient of the Carsey School’s Peter C. and Kristin Van Curan Nordblom Summer Fellowship: "The Nordblom fellowship allowed me to design and execute my own research project and gave me the opportunity to explore an area I am passionate about outside of academic work. Being paired with an experienced faculty advisor throughout the project helped me develop skills and methods I would never have learned in the classroom. Overall, it was an incredible experience to see a project I had thought about for years finally come to fruition. Thank you to the Nordbloms for their generosity and to everyone on the fellowship team." ~ Libby Schwaner, 2020 Nordblom Fellow
A graphic showing the unh sustainability award silver electronic badge
Recipient of a 2021 UNH Sustainability Award: Elizabeth helped change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day in Exeter through research and reporting. She assisted with interviews with Indigenous people and local lawmakers into a policy brief detailing why and how Indigenous Peoples’ Day should be implemented. Learn More

Elizabeth “Libby” Schwaner, a Master in Public Policy student at the Carsey School, discusses the project she worked on that earned her a silver award at the 2021 University of New Hampshire Sustainability Awards. Libby has been focusing on making Indigenous Peoples' Day a state-wide holiday in New Hampshire for several years now.