Associate Editor:
Alejandro J. Ramos
Alejandro is a first-year Master of Public Administration Fellow at the Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy with a concentration in government, politics, and policy. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Spanish and a minor in Journalism from Sacred Heart University. His research interests include American political and governing institutions, public policy specifically education policy, the voting behaviors of minority groups and the policies that affect them. His undergraduate thesis “The Great Realignment: Investigating the American Hispanic and Latino Vote” encompasses a wide ranging of factors that impact this community and how they impact elections. Alejandro is the founder & director of The Ramos Research Institute and has previous experience in higher education administration.
Associate Editor:
Shipra Mishra
Shipra is an adept public policy professional, currently pursuing an MPA from Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, concentrating on International Development. With a JD degree and a Bachelor of Social Welfare (Honors), she has a robust academic foundation. Her editorial journey goes back to her being a founding editorial board member of her law school magazine, Jury’s Out. Her professional experience entails working as an advisor to the Federal Minister in India. She was engaged in pivotal policy research, spearheading efforts for energy security, coal production, and green mining alternatives, and was instrumental in drafting key legislative reforms and policy initiatives in the sector. In her consultancy role within the same government office, she played an essential role in shaping federal policies to reform India’s energy landscape. She currently serves as a Graduate Research Assistant at the Climate Jobs Institute at Cornell University, undertaking policy analysis and development work at the intersection of climate change, labor equity, and just energy transition.
Associate Editor:
Amal Ghazalein
Amal is a second-year MPA candidate at Cornell University, passionate about advancing justice and human rights through inclusive policy-making. With a BA in English from Oranim College, he excels in communication. Amal’s recent summer internship at the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs involved reviewing VNRs submitted by 40 Member States and producing a comprehensive report. He also contributed to improving data disaggregation methods for enhanced societal inclusivity in decision-making. Amal is proficient in Arabic, Hebrew, and English, with excellent writing and verbal skills in each language. During his graduate studies, Amal served as a project consultant for the Dominican Republic’s Council of Climate Change. He analyzed policy and legal documents, offering recommendations to help the DR meet its Nationally Determined Contributions to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Amal eagerly anticipates joining the Cornell Policy Review as an Associate Editor, aiding students in honing their writing skills.
Associate Editor:
Emily Bestimt
Emily Bestimt is completing her Masters in Public Administration (‘23) at the Brooks School of Public Policy with a concentration in Public and Nonprofit Management. Personal and professional areas of interest include technology, arts, employment and workforce development, criminal justice reform, end-of-life care, and theology.
Following a BFA from Lesley University, Emily was fortunate to be a part of the legacy of the Photographic Resource Center at Boston University, a gallery and educational institution for photographers across New England. Since 2007, Emily has primarily worked in founder-led video game studios supporting technical teams to ship titles ranging from Rock Band to Fortnite. While this incredible opportunity to study at Cornell occupies most of her attention, she is also a career advisor and supports small businesses in setting and reaching personal goals through organization and career planning. Free time is spent as a proud step-mom to two boys, volunteering with hospice, and officiating memorial services as a Celebrant.
Associate Editor:
Katie Farrell
Katie Farrell is a second-year MPA student concentrating in Environmental Policy. She graduated from Villanova University in 2021 with degrees in Political Science and Economics with a Global Business Concentration, and minors in Sustainability Studies and Irish Studies. After graduation, Katie worked for Sarasota County’s Office of Financial Management in the Grants Department, collaborating with EY and the Treasury on COVID-19 reimbursement claims and the Emergency Rental Assistance Program. At Cornell, Katie holds several leadership positions, such as Vice President of Women in Public Policy, co-president of Cornell’s Graduate Consulting Club, Chair of GPSA’s Programming Committee, and a Peer Mentor for new MPA students. Furthermore, Katie has consulting experience for organizations such as with the Federal Government of the Dominican Republic and the US GAO. She spent this summer working at CPower Energy Management in data analytics. She is currently serving as an Associate Editor for Cornell’s Policy Review.
Associate Editor:
Basim Ali
Basim has been a career public servant for the Government of India with expertise in policy analysis, risk advisory and strategy consulting. He is currently a first year MPA fellow at the Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy with a concentration in International Development. In India, at the federal level he was an instrumental in formulating and executing policies which dealt with Countering Financing of Terrorism, Anti-Money Laundering, cryptocurrency regulations, implementation of government subsidies etc. He was formerly associated with Deloitte Global Financial Advisory and was a part of a global team which dealt with financial crime investigations, anti-corruption due diligence and business intelligence. His interest at the Brooks School lies in developing policies which balance competing needs like human progress and natural preservation.