The IMRP profiles staffer Jordan Oquendo who is among the School of Public Policy master’s candidates to receive their degree at Monday’s graduation ceremony. Jordan has been working with the IMRP since his enrollment. The graduate student assistant is now a Class of 2026 graduate!

Q1: Tell us about your background and undergraduate studies. What brought you to the School of Public Policy? 

I got my bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in music at CCSU in 2024. I fell in love with research there after doing a study for my research methods course. After that, I interned with the political science department, where I analyzed data and helped write sections of the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) report for DEEP. 

My supervisor on that project had earned her master’s in survey research from UConn and suggested I look into it. That’s how I found the MPP program at the School of Public Policy, and it ended up being the right fit.

Q2: What were your hopes coming into the program for opening career opportunities? 

I didn’t have a specific expectation coming in since I had no prior public policy experience. I just knew I wanted to do research and that I was interested in mental health. Through IMRP, my focus shifted toward criminal justice research, where my mental health background still plays a role since it connects to a lot of areas in the criminal justice system. 

Q3: How did you get involved with the Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy (IMRP) and what type of work have you done for the Institute?  

I interviewed and landed a graduation assistant (GA) role through IMRP’s previous director of research, Vaughn Crichlow, and I’ve been able to participate in several projects and initiatives since I started here. The first thing I worked on was a PowerPoint for an article Vaughn was developing, and from there I moved into quantitative analysis for a grant project. 

Later that fall, I started working on the Connecticut Sentencing Commission’s (CTSC) Database Study. I began by cleaning transcripts and sitting in on interviews but eventually got to code and analyze qualitative data for the report we’re drafting now. 

I’ve also supported work with Ken Barone and the Connecticut Racial Profiling Prohibition Project (CTRP3), as well as Dr. Lydia Wileden’s research on crisis response, 211 and 988 services, and postsecondary education in correctional facilities. 

Most recently for CTSC, I’ve helped with bylaw amendments, planned and attended meetings across multiple committees, and contributed to several reports. With CTRP3, I started with data entry and later got the opportunity to analyze data and write sections of a traffic stop follow-up report that will be part of CTRP3’s larger, annual statewide report. I’ve also attended CJIS governing board meetings and joined the CISS analytics subcommittee, which is working toward a centralized sentencing database in Connecticut. That connects directly to the Database Study work I’ve been part of. 

Q4: What have been the most impactful and rewarding experiences as a GA? 

Impactful: working on the Database Study and realizing the greater impact this type of work has on the state. Other states already have centralized databases available to the public. We’re getting close to creating that in Connecticut, which would be a real steppingstone.   

Rewarding: One of the most rewarding experiences was attending the National Association of Sentencing Commission conference in Madison, Wisconsin. I was able to travel with the Connecticut team and meet others from across the country. It was my first time seeing how other states approach this work. (Read more about the conference here).

Overall, the work itself is rewarding because it contributes to real change. Even if people don’t always see it, it affects their daily lives. Everyone at IMRP shares that goal, and that’s what keeps me motivated. 

Q5: What were your favorite classes and which ones do you think will help you most in your career? 

All of my classes in the MPP program have helped me build or strengthen my skills. I especially enjoyed Professor Becerril’s R course, which helped me learn a data tool that’s becoming more widely used, the applied policy design class with Dr. Brunner, which helped me connect concepts to real-world policy, and Professor Renzo’s (de la Riva Agüero) project management class which focused on teamwork. Many other classes have helped me grow my research and analytical skills and given me tools I can continue using after graduation.

Q6: You’ve received a few recognitions during your time here. Tell us about them. 

I received the Rising Star award from Prospanica Connecticut, a nonprofit organization that empowers and enables Hispanic professionals to achieve and exceed their goals. I was recognized for being an example to other Hispanic professionals at my stage of career. That meant a lot to me because it reflects being someone others can look to as an example.  

I was also featured in a UConn student highlight, which gave me the chance to share my story alongside others in the program. Most recently, based on my academic achievements, I was inducted into Pi Alpha Alpha, the global honor society for public affairs and administration. 

Q7: What are your future ambitions now that you are graduating? 

Right now, I’m focused on continuing my work in criminal justice research and policy through IMRP.  Long term, I’d like to pursue a doctorate and keep contributing to meaningful change in Connecticut. That goal is personal to me because I would be the first in my family to earn a doctorate. And I realize how valuable it is to continue to expand my knowledge. 

Q8: Why is public service important to you? 

Public service is about making changes that improve people’s lives over time. Working in criminal justice policy is one way I can do that right now.  For me, it’s about making the most of the opportunities I have and giving my full effort. Whether things go perfecty or not, I know I’mdoing everything I can to make a positive impact at every step. 

Q9: Why advice would you have for students interested in exploring a master’s program at SPP? 

If you’re interested in research or policy, SPP is a great place to build your skills and explore different areas across all agencies in Connecticut. The classes, along with GA and IPP (Internship and Professional Practice Program) opportunities, give you real experience and help you grow professionally, while also gaining new friendships and connections through the SPP cohort.  

There are a lot of opportunities here, but you have to be willing to seek them out while also staying open to learning. It’s important to never be in a place where you think you can’t learn more or stop being willing to grow.  Even if you’re not sure exactly what you want to do, the program can help guide you and open new doors. 

Q10: What’s something most people don’t know about you?  

Music is a big part of my life. In high school, I interned at Saint Francis Hospital, where I shadowed a therapeutic musician and saw how music can improve experiences for patients, including the senior population and those undergoing cancer treatment. 

Until I got the research bug, I was interested in music therapy. Now I still enjoy music as a former member of a band and with the worship team at my church. My faith, along with support from my family and loved ones, is what keeps me grounded and motivates me to keep growing and doing my best. Everything that I do is with the purpose of serving. 

 —-

To learn more about future IMRP internship opportunities, visit our Work with Us page.