School of Public Policy Team Wins Statewide Capstone Competition

UMass Amherst School of Public Policy students Toby Armstrong, Madeleine Neill, and James Sullivan have won first place at the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Society of Public Administration’s 2018 Capstone Competition.

The SPP team won with its project "Cannabis Legalization: Challenges & Opportunities in Small Communities,” which used the town of Deerfield, Massachusetts, as a case study. Armstrong, Neill, and Sullivan surveyed town residents and officials about their concerns about the recent state law legalizing marijuana and compared that to data from communities in states where marijuana has been legal for several years. In their final report, the group presented recommendations to the town. Professor Marta Vicarelli of SPP and the Economics Department served as the group's faculty advisor, providing invaluable mentorship throughout the process.

Student teams from public policy programs across the commonwealth compete in the MassASPA capstone contest. “The UMass Amherst team targeted a very relevant topic in the Commonwealth, but it was their energy and the clarity and professionalism of their presentation that raised them above the competition,” Adam Garvey, MassASPA president, said. “Their thoughtful research and recommendations are applauded by ASPA. We appreciate the hard work of these dedicated students and UMass Amherst's School of Public Policy. It's rewarding and comforting to see such high caliber young professionals entering public service. We will all benefit." 

This is the second year in a row that a UMass Amherst team took first place. Last year, SPP students Zulekha Abu and Liana Ascolese won with their project, "If You Want Something Done, Ask a Woman: How Women College Administrators Implement Effective Title IX Policies to Prevent Sexual Assault." 

About the School of Public Policy: Established in 2016, the UMass Amherst School of Public Policy is a hub for research and teaching, preparing students for leadership in public service. The program’s focuses include social change and public policy related to science and technology.

— Maureen Turner, communications manager, School of Public Policy

Photo: Toby Armstrong, Marta Vicarelli, James Sullivan, and Madeleine Neill at the MassASPA Capstone Competition