Matthew Phares

Background

About Matthew Phares

I am a dedicated Master's of Public Policy student at Pennsylvania State University, driven by a deep commitment to translating policy into real-world impacts. My journey in policy began at Penn State, where I graduated with a BA in Political Science, a BS in Economics, and minors in Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies in Spring 2023. During my internship at FamilyAid in Boston, I honed my skills in analyzing homelessness and social determinants of wealth. This experience solidified my belief in the power of policy to effect positive change in communities. I am particularly passionate about community development and labor policies, seeking to enhance the quality of life for as many people as possible through thoughtful, impactful policy decisions. Proficient in R, Stata, and Python, I excel in data analysis and enjoy finding innovative solutions to complex problems. I take pride in my ability to communicate complex policy ideas clearly and concisely, making them more accessible to a broader audience. Beyond my academic and professional pursuits, I have a keen interest in video games, reading, and exploring food cultures. I am excited to continue my journey in public policy, leveraging my skills and passion to drive meaningful change in the world.