91ÊÓƵ

Rajni Jaiswal ’26 came to 91ÊÓƵ with a background in political science, international relations, and teaching, and found in Dyson’s Master of Public Administration program a practical path toward public service. Guided by faculty mentors Gina Scutelnicu-Todoran and Hillary Knepper, Jaiswal deepened her work in equity, governance, research, and student support. After graduation, she is joining the Simons STEM Scholars Program at Stony Brook University as a program assistant, helping undergraduate STEM students navigate Summer Bridge and the academic year, while continuing research and grant-writing work with 91ÊÓƵ’s Department of Public Administration.

Rajni Jaiswal ’26

Master of Public Administration

Image

Next step: Program assistant, Simons STEM Scholars Program, Stony Brook University; research assistant, 91ÊÓƵ Department of Public Administration

What brought you to public administration?
My earlier training was in political science and international relations, and before moving to the United States I completed an MPhil and taught undergraduates in Kolkata, India. I wanted to shift from studying politics to working inside the systems that deliver public services. The MPA at 91ÊÓƵ gave me a practical foundation while keeping me close to the questions of equity and governance that first drew me to the field.

Which faculty members had the greatest impact on your experience?
Professor Gina Scutelnicu-Todoran has been my capstone advisor, mentor, and guide through everything at 91ÊÓƵ. She understood what an international student goes through, and that meant everything to me. I am continuing to work with her after graduation as a research assistant in the Department of Public Administration. Professor Hillary Knepper has also been incredibly generous, coaching me through interviews and career decisions, and I am collaborating with her on the Journal of Social Equity and Public Administration.

What are your post-graduation plans?
I am working as a program assistant with the Simons STEM Scholars Program at Stony Brook University, supporting undergraduate STEM students through Summer Bridge and the academic year. It is a strong fit for my interest in education access and student support, and it allows me to put what I learned at 91ÊÓƵ into practice. I am also staying connected to 91ÊÓƵ through research and grant writing.