From Classroom to Commission: Finding a Fast-Track to Success

September 23, 2025

When it came time to choose a college, Tommy Dowd knew exactly where he would go. “I come from a UConn through-and-through family,” he explains. “One of my brothers went to UConn. My parents met at UConn. My aunt was the one who introduced them.”

What he was less certain about was his path after graduation.

The Wethersfield native, a double-major in political science and economics, considered law school until a chance encounter with a fellow student opened an unexpected door.

“I was studying for an exam in the library on a floor I’d never been to,” he explains. “This kid came up to me and said, ‘We’re in the same class.’ We studied together, and he told me about the 4+1 program.”

“As a sophomore I didn’t really know what I wanted to do with my life, but this seemed like a really good opportunity to explore interests I already had,” he says. “It’s a slightly heavier course load since you’re working on your master’s degree while still an undergrad, but instead of two additional years of study, you only add one. And in that final year, you complete an internship in your field that you’re getting paid for. You gain an advantage by having an advanced degree just one year out of college – it gives you so much flexibility.”

He applied and began UConn’s School of Public Policy’s 4+1 MPP Fast-Track program in his junior year. The additional coursework didn’t deter him despite his busy extracurricular schedule. As an undergrad, Tommy spent three years working at UConn’s Visitors Center, giving tours to prospective students. He was also a member of A Minor, one of UConn’s a cappella groups, and spent spring breaks with Honors Across State Borders, working with Habitat for Humanity chapters in other states to build affordable housing.

“You’re taking graduate-level classes in undergrad, so you get exposure to what a postgraduate course load is like,” he says. He also found his classmates more engaged in graduate-level classes.

Another chance encounter in the spring of 2023, during his final semester of grad school, introduced Tommy to the Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy (IMRP) at the School of Public Policy.

“I needed to round out my schedule with an elective, so I decided to take Justice Reinvestment with Professor Bob Wilson. It sounded interesting to learn about real-world applications of public policy.”

Students were tasked with creating a history of two IMRP initiatives: the Connecticut Sentencing Commission (CTSC) and the Connecticut Racial Profiling Prohibition Project (CTRP3).

“I hadn’t previously heard of the IMRP,” he admits. “The Institute at the School focuses on evidence-based research and evaluation of state criminal justice policies. Andrew Clark, the director, and Ken Barone, the associate director, came to the class to explain the type of written history they were looking for.”

The course was transformative for Dowd, who has always been passionate about politics and civic engagement.

“This was one of my first experiences doing legislative research and seeing the evolution of a policy program – how you turn something from an idea into a law,” he explains. “These aren’t just words in a textbook; these are policies that impact peoples’ lives.”

To complete the work, Dowd and his classmates conducted interviews with stakeholders including members of the Sentencing Commission, legislative leaders like former Rep. Bill Dyson, and Connecticut police chiefs. The project wasn’t finished before the end of the semester and graduation, so Professor Wilson hired Tommy as a graduate assistant that summer to complete the project’s edits and revisions.

Through that experience, Tommy stayed in contact with Alex Tsarkov, then executive director of the Connecticut Sentencing Commission, who needed student workers for various research projects. Tommy began working part-time with Tsarkov, about 25-30 hours per week, until a full-time position opened in March 2024, once again placing himself in the right spot for the next step in his career.

“I didn’t sign up for the class thinking ‘This is what I’m going to do for my first job,’” he reflects. “You never know how these things will evolve, so always bring your best self to the table.”

I didn’t sign up for the class thinking ‘This is what I’m going to do for my first job. You never know how these things will evolve, so always bring your best self to the table.

Though initially interested in economic policy, his classroom experiences introduced him to criminal justice policy, which he finds more complex.

“It’s a very different way of thinking about public policy,” he says. “In economic policy, people will argue about details of tax rates or healthcare plans, but everyone basically shares the same goals. In criminal justice policy, you encounter deep, philosophical questions: What is justice? How do we balance public safety with giving people who have committed offenses a chance to turn their lives around? We aim for evidence-based, cost-effective decision-making, yet many of those choices are shaped by normative, moral-based questions that center on how we treat people as a society.”

What is justice? How do we balance public safety with giving people who have committed offenses a chance to turn their lives around? We aim for evidence-based, cost-effective decision-making, yet many of those choices are shaped by normative, moral-based questions that center on how we treat people as a society.

In his role as program assistant, he handles all administrative functions for the CTSC including scheduling meetings, recording minutes, updating the website, and responding to inquiries. Dowd also contributes to legislative research, drafting sections of reports or editing sections of reports received from external partners.

Last fall, he assisted Tsarkov with the Commission’s sixth symposium: Pretrial Justice in Connecticut, a full-day event at the UConn School of Law with more than 150 attendees. Dowd helped manage all aspects of planning including venue coordination, arranging presenters and panelists, compiling the program, and overseeing stakeholder communication.

He now works with Rich Sparaco, recently appointed interim executive director of the Sentencing Commission following Tsarkov’s departure for Connecticut’s Board of Pardons and Paroles. Along with other IMRP staff and CTSC members, he attended the National Association of Sentencing Commissions annual conference in Madison, Wisconsin in August.

“There’s a niche community around the country of people who do the same job I do. It was great to meet them, hear how their commissions function, and bring back ideas about processes that can make a greater impact in our justice system.”

a group of conference attendees by a sign — Dowd, third from left, is among those from the IMRP and the Connecticut Sentencing Commission who attended the NASC conference in August, 2025

“I’m very thankful,” he says of his transition to a full-time role as a program assistant for the Connecticut Sentencing Commission and staff member of the IMRP. “I came into SPP not knowing much about what an MPP was or what it can do for me, and here I am five years later in an established field. It really has taken me on a journey, giving me the skills, experiences, and connections to turn my broad interests into a career path.”

To current students, he offers advice:

“Be willing to always put your best foot forward, work hard, make connections with classmates and professors, and be a good team player. You never know when that door is going to open for you.”

In his own words: Click to Watch: From Classroom to Commission.

Learn more about the School of Public Policy’s 4+1 Fast-Track program.

Learn more about the Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy

Learn more about the Connecticut Sentencing Commission.

Students Contemplate Voting Access on National Voter Registration Day

September 18, 2025

IMRP Director Andrew Clark addresses his public policy class at Connecticut’s Old State House

Students in IMRP Director Andrew Clark’s PP 1001: Intro to Public Policy course stepped out of the classroom and into Connecticut’s Old State House on a series of visits exploring democracy and voting access.

“UConn Hartford is uniquely positioned to give students access to both local and state government here in the capital city,” said Clark of the Old State House, which now functions as a museum hosting tours and events. Clark had previously brought spring-semester students to the state Capitol.

“UConn Hartford is uniquely positioned to give students access to both local and state government here in the capital city.”

The first visit acclimated students to the historic building just blocks from the School of Public Policy’s campus in downtown Hartford. The second event – on National Voter Registration Day – was organized in partnership with UConn and the Connecticut Democracy Center. Open to the public, it featured a roundtable discussion, “Voting, Voice, and Visibility – Past and Present,” with former Secretary of the State Miles Rapoport, executive director of 100% Democracy; former State Rep. Evelyn Mantilla; and Mary Janicki, former Director of the Office of Legislative Research.

Using a comparative lens that included other Western democracies—such as Australia, which has mandated compulsory voting for the past 100 years—students were asked: How can we raise voter turnout in our state and country to 90% or higher?

Class T.A. Ben Elliot, a first-year MPA candidate, said students were engaged, curious, and willing to challenge the panelists.

Former Secretary of the State Miles Rapoport spoke about the case for universal voting

“Students had the opportunity to ask questions or offer critique of the former Secretary’s opinions,” Ben explained. “One student asked how we might raise voter turnout without making it compulsory. The concern is that if people are mandated to vote but haven’t done any research, they may not vote in their best interest—or the best interest of their fellow citizens.”

“We had a good dialogue on how to increase voter turnout.”

Students were “Excited to do something different other than listening to a lecture,” Ben laughed, also noting that the first visit included a tour of the property as a primer for the discussion with background on civil rights and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and how marginalized groups who have faced resistance have both gained and maintained the right to vote.

Additional discussion included recent amendments to the Connecticut state constitution for in-person early voting and “no excuse” absentee ballots.

“That side of the conversation really resonated with me,” said Ben, who had interned as an undergrad with the Secretary of State’s office when early voting was introduced and helped gather data on the program’s success.

Class T.A. Ben Elliot with his copy of 100% Democracy, signed by the author

“We had a good dialogue on how to increase voter turnout,” he continued. “It presents an interesting debate because, on one end, it seems a little authoritarian, but at the same time, more participation in democracy could address issues we face—especially complaints that candidates don’t represent voters who didn’t participate in the process.”

Students also received a signed copy of Rapoport’s book, 100% Democracy, if they promised to read it—a promise Ben gratefully accepted.

A class discussion board assignment will extend the conversation as students reflect on their role as engaged citizens and how to encourage others to participate in elections.

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For more information about the School of Public Policy’s Registrar of Voters Training Program, visit: https://publicpolicy.uconn.edu/rov/

Creating National Connections to Better Serve Connecticut

August 22, 2025

More than half a dozen IMRP staffers, researchers, and Connecticut Sentencing Commission (CTSC) members traveled to Madison, Wisconsin, to attend the National Association of Sentencing Commissions (NASC) annual conference. This year’s theme – The Future of Sentencing Commissions – was perfectly timed as CTSC seeks to revisit and refine its mission and vision following the appointment of interim executive director Rich Sparaco in June.

“It was great to attend with a strong presence from Connecticut,” said Sparaco. “We talked with other commissions, and while there are distinguishable differences between Connecticut and others, there are models for comparison we can look at in terms of structure and what we do.”

CTSC program administrator Tommy Dowd agreed. “Rich and I keep coming back to the idea of ‘back to basics’ for the Commission, asking fundamental questions like: How should the Commission function? Who decides what the Commission should focus on? What role do we play in the justice system?”

CTSC attendees split up to attend as many breakout sessions as possible. “One great session I attended was How to Run and Manage a Sentencing Commission: A Support Group for Commission Staff,” said Dowd. “It was hosted by Victoria Gonzalez of the Illinois Sentencing Policy Advisory Committee. Attendees were invited to share challenges and strategies for success, which vary from state to state. Learning about how other commissions function and address difficulties will help us as we seek to improve processes for CTSC.”

“My biggest takeaway is the importance of evidence-based decision-making and taking time to learn from the work of other states,” said Matt Hono, IMRP research technician for the CTSC, who attended panels on Pennsylvania’s justice reinvestment programs, surname analysis methods, and veterans in the criminal justice system. “Taking steps to improve data quality when possible, understanding the importance of regular evaluation, and studying the experiences of unique populations who interact with the criminal legal system really reflects everything we’ve been doing.”

IMRP Researcher and Assistant Research Professor Lydia Wileden said she was impressed by the presence of fellow academics at the conference and the role that research plays in the work of each commission. “As a demographer, one of the things I was interested in was a pattern that a lot of states including Connecticut are experiencing which is a rebounding in the size of incarcerated populations after a precipitous drop in the past decade. I’m interested to work with 0ther states to understand that trend.”

Baby Mo on-site. At 8 months old, this was already his second academic conference.

The trip was also an opportunity for CTSC Commission members and IMRP staffers to get to know each other, and it wasn’t without its downtime. Dr. Wileden traveled with her 8-month-old son, Mo, whose favorite moment came outside of the conference when he got to see exotic animals at the Madison Zoo, including chickens.

There was also a team-based scavenger hunt and bar crawl. While Connecticut didn’t emerge victorious, a good time was had by all.

“We had lots of cheese curds, which was a big plus,” added Tommy Dowd.

The team will share highlights of the conference at the next CTSC Commission meeting which has been rescheduled from its planned date in September to October 23rd.

To learn more about the Connecticut Sentencing Commission, visit their website: https://ctsentencingcommission.org/

Meet CTSC Interim Executive Director Rich Sparaco

August 5, 2025

Rich Sparaco has been appointed Interim Executive Director of the Connecticut Sentencing Commission, filling the role vacated by Alex Tsarkov, who was named to the state’s Board of Pardons and Paroles in May 2025. The Commission’s Steering Committee unanimously recommended Sparaco for the interim position during its June 26th meeting. He will serve while a national search is underway for a permanent Executive Director, ensuring continuity in the Commission’s research-driven policy work during this transitional period.

“This appointment gives me the opportunity to continue to work in the field that I have been a part of for over 30 years in Connecticut,” said Sparaco. “It encompasses many of the areas I’ve been involved in and some new ones, especially the pretrial arena. While it’s not easy to just step into the ongoing work of the Commission, I’m fortunate to continue to build on what Alex started and given my years in the Connecticut criminal justice system, I know many of the players.”

Steering the Commission Through Transition

The Executive Director plays a central role in shaping the Commission’s research agenda, coordinating with partner agencies, facilitating communication among members and staff, and serving as a public-facing leader. With Tsarkov’s departure, Sparaco’s interim leadership is key to maintaining momentum on critical initiatives.

“There are a number of ongoing projects and studies,” he said. “We’ll be determining priorities and how best to track these efforts for the upcoming legislative session. We’ll also revisit the mission and vision of the Commission to refine what members want to accomplish.”

The Sentencing Commission is supported by the Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy (IMRP) at the University of Connecticut, which provides its professional staff and administrative infrastructure.

“Taking on this role has given me a new appreciation for how IMRP operates,” Sparaco noted. “Most people don’t realize how interconnected everything is. I’ve worked with Andrew (Clark, IMRP Director) and Alex over the years. IMRP has a strong presence, does incredible work, and continues to evolve.”

A Long History of Service

Sparaco began his career in Connecticut’s criminal justice system in 1992, after earning his master’s in criminal justice from Northeastern University. His extensive experience includes nearly a decade as Executive Director of the Board of Pardons and Paroles. He was part of the initial task force that led to the creation of the Sentencing Commission in 2010.

After retiring from the Parole Board, Sparaco was bought back in a part time capacity to continue work with the Commission in fall 2023. He worked on medical and compassionate parole research as well as the P.A. 15-84 study, which explores the experiences of individuals who were paroled for offenses they committed under the age of 18.

A resident of Guilford, Sparaco also brings national consulting experience, having advised parole boards in a dozen states including Michigan, Ohio, Vermont, and California.

“I retired but I wasn’t done. I wasn’t ready to completely leave the Connecticut system.”

Continuing the Work Ahead

Steering Committee members cited Sparaco’s familiarity with internal operations and policy framework as assets to the Commission’s continued efforts in research, governance, and policy review. Current initiatives include:

A statewide pretrial justice study, combining quantitative analysis and comparative policy review, with results expected by the end of summer.

Continuing examination of sentencing disparities, mental health policy, and reforms related to hate crimes and human trafficking statues.

The Steering Committee’s summer work on proposed bylaw amendments, designed to clarify Commission structure, staff oversight, and the Executive Director’s role during and after the transition.

“There is still more to do,” Sparaco summarizes. “I want to be part of the continuation of work to achieve fairness and equity in Connecticut’s criminal justice system. That includes improving risk assessment and decision-making about alternatives to incarceration.”

The full Commission meets quarterly. Its next meeting is scheduled for September 11th at 2:00 pm. Those interested in the link to attend can reach out to Tommy Dowd, CTSC program administrator at thomas.j.dowd@uconn.edu.

About the Connecticut Sentencing Commission The Commission, established in 2011, is an independent state agency that reviews sentencing laws and practices and offers data-driven policy recommendations to the Governor, legislature, and criminal justice agencies. It partners with academic institutions such as the University of Connecticut, Yale, and Quinnipiac for research, and its administrative support is provided by the Institute for Municipal & Regional Policy. Learn more at: https://ctsentencingcommission.org/

Ken Barone Interviewed for NBC Connecticut Report

July 22, 2025

IMRP Associate Director Ken Barone is interviewed in a July 21st NBC Connecticut report on a new online portal launched by CT Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP).

The portal provides near real-time, up-to-date information about traffic stops by CT State Police.

The work is the result of a continued collaboration between the IMRP’s Connecticut Racial Profiling Prohibition Project (CTRP3) for which Barone is the project manager, DESPP and CT State Police to analyze yearly traffic data, improve record-keeping, and build trust between the public and police.

Learn more about the CTRP3 mission and view previously published reports on the CTRP3 publications page.

IMRP Celebrates Graduates

May 16, 2025

This past week, the Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy (IMRP) proudly celebrated the graduation of several interns, fellows, and research and graduate assistants who have contributed meaningfully to our work.

The festivities were part of UConn’s broader commencement celebrations, including the School of Public Policy’s (SPP) graduation ceremony, held near the Hartford campus. Friends, family, faculty, and staff lined Front Street to cheer on SPP graduates as they processed from the Hartford Times building to Infinity Hall, led by the vibrant drum line of Hartford’s Proud.

Drummers from Hartford’s Proud accompanied SPP graduates to their ceremony

Inside Infinity Hall, graduates were welcomed by Dr. Angela Eikenberry, Director of the School of Public Policy. Connecticut Attorney General William Tong delivered an inspiring keynote address, marking the occasion with thoughtful remarks on public service and civic leadership.

Dr. Angela Eikenberry and Attorney General William Tong were featured speakers as SPP’s graduation ceremony

Among the IMRP-affiliated graduates this year are:

Matthew Hono, Master of Public Policy (MPP) graduate and recipient of the MPP Academic Excellence Award. Matt supports the Connecticut Sentencing Commission and has been developing a behavioral health diversionary resource guide to be published on the Commission’s website.

Matt Hono, MPP academic excellence award winner

Chenoa Greenlee, who works with the Connecticut Sentencing Commission, and Kate Mazzotta, an intern with the CT Children with Incarcerated Parents Initiative and other IMRP projects, both earned their Master of Social Work (MSW) degrees from the UConn School of Social Work.

Irina Ahmed, who supported the International Justice Exchange’s groundbreaking collaboration with Amend, celebrated her graduation with a Master’s in Human Rights from UConn’s Gladstein Family Human Rights Institute.

Irina Ahmed with IMRP colleagues Erica Escobar and Tommy Dowd

Ayla Fidel (Wesleyan University), a contributor to the International Justice Exchange, and Justin Guinta (UConn), who conducted an independent research project under the guidance of IMRP Director of Research Dr. Vaughn Crichlow, both earned their undergraduate degrees.

Justin Guinta received three undergraduate degrees from UConn and is enrolled in a master’s program at UNC.

Skylar Seabert, Justice David Borden Research and Policy Fellow with the Sentencing Commission, received her Juris Doctor from Quinnipiac University School of Law.

We are proud of each graduate’s accomplishments and honored to have played a role in their professional journeys. Many continue their work with the IMRP, and we look forward to welcoming new students in the months ahead. For those interested in joining us, please visit our Work With Us page to explore current and upcoming opportunities.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025!

We celebrate your achievements and are excited to see the positive change you’ll bring to public policy and beyond. Whether you remain with us or pursue new endeavors, you will always be part of the IMRP family.

Onwards!

SPP Students Get Personalized Capitol Tour from IMRP Director Andrew Clark

April 22, 2025

Students in Dr. Angie Eikenberry’s Public Policy 1001 got out of the classroom for a firsthand look at state government on a tour led by IMRP Director Andrew Clark.

Clark pointed out local sites on the brief, 10-minute walk from the Hartford Times Building to the State Capitol, including such historic spots as the Wadsworth Atheneum, Hartford’s Ancient Burying Ground, and a Bushnell Park in early bloom.

Inside the Hall of the House of Representatives, the largest room in the State Capitol, Clark spoke about his years as a legislative aide to state representative Bill Dyson, who served New Haven’s 94th district from 1976 – 2008.

The tour then proceeded via underground passageway to the LOB, the Legislative Office Building, where much of the work is done. Students were greeted by a current legislative intern at UConn and learned about opportunities to earn up to six academic credits completing a part-time internship during their undergraduate experience.

Noah Hurt, a first-year graduate student in the MPA (Master of Public Administration) program who serves as the class TA, noted the visit helped students gain a deeper understanding of how the Connecticut legislature works. “It was a powerful way to connect what we learn in class to real-world processes,” Hurt said.

IMRP Director Andrew Clark shares his early experience as a legislative aide with students in Public Policy 1001 on a tour of the State Capitol and Legislative Office Building

Hurt pointed out the beauty and meaning of the State Capitol. “It’s not just the architecture that stands out, but also the rich history represented inside and out. Being (there), reminded me that there are real opportunities for people like me to make a difference in our state. It makes me motivated to keep working hard so that one day I might have the honor of working with or even becoming part of the Connecticut legislature.”

The group gathered for a photo in the LOB’s committee hearing room.

36-Hour Campaign to Support CTCIP Scholarship via UConn Gives!

April 21, 2025

UCONN GIVES IS UNDERWAY!

We’ve got just 36 hours along with the rest of UConn Nation to raise funds for projects most important to us!

For all of us at the IMRP that means supporting CT Children with Incarcerated Parents (CTCIP) Initiative and its annual scholarship to deserving students who have been impacted by the incarceration of a parent or close family member.

Offering $1,500 per semester and renewable for up to six semesters, the CTCIP scholarship helps alleviate the cost of a college education to a student at UConn Hartford who might otherwise be unable to focus on their higher education goals.

When we talk about criminal justice reform, we often focus on the person who is incarcerated and not on their family or their kids. It’s an often overlooked group. The scholarship supports those students and makes them feel seen. – CTCIP Program Administrator Santana Miller.

UConn Gives is an annual university-wide fundraising event. This year’s event starts Monday, April 21st at 7:00 am and concludes Tuesday, April 22nd at 7:00 pm.

Donations as small as $5 are appreciated and a minimum $25 donation comes with a UConn Gives tote bag. Donations can be made via credit card at this UCONN GIVES LINK.

The scholarship is a way to show students they are not alone and to encourage them as they pursue their education. – IMRP Operations Coordinator Irvine Peck’s-Agaya.

Last year, thanks to your generous donations, we raised sufficient funds to award scholarships to not one, but two deserving students! To date, the CTCIP scholarship has provided more than $75,000 in funds.

IJE Work Featured in CT Mirror Article

CT Mirror’s Mark Pazniokas spent two days behind-the-scenes at Garner and York correctional institutions to capture the groundbreaking work the IMRP’s International Justice Exchange is conducting with Amend at UCSF and CTDOC.

Read the full article, below, or the IMRP summary of this recent collaboration here.

For more information and history of the International Justice Exchange, visit the IJE website.

Borrowing from Norway, a Connecticut prison tries a new approach

Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy

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