REASONS STATEMENT FOR GRADUATE STUDY ROUGH DRAFT I am applying to the Master of Arts in Political Science program at the

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee to further my understanding of the scope and methodology of the discipline while preparing myself for PhD work in the future. This program, with its emphasis on empirical theory, quantitative skills, strategies, and techniques of conducting research, will provide me with and hone the skillset needed to excel in the discipline. In the future I plan on pursuing a PhD in either a PPE or Political Economy program. My academic interests are, simply put, the same as the areas I am interested in pursuing PhD studies in identification of the schism between the ideal, whether that be optimality and efficiency or equity and justice, and the actual state of affairs in the world. This, by necessity, concerns the polity and the political processes or institutions that create deviations from the ideal. Even deeper, this concerns the ideological and preferential makeup of the populous and how these conflicting opinions and interests reflect upon policies and outcomes both domestically and abroad. The Master of Arts in Political Science program will give me a deeper understanding of the interactions between persons and other persons, persons and governments, and governments with each other as well as the methodological tools required to do substantial research into my areas of interest. In my undergraduate career, in which I attained a BA in Political Science and Economics at UWMilwaukee, I have had two major research experiences the Capstone requirement for Political Science and the Research Requirement for Economics. For the Capstone project in Political Science, I investigated whether there was any significant monadic effect of regime type on conflict initiation and resolution. With a greater understanding of international relations, I then conducted research into the effects of trade blocs and flows on international relations, specifically in terms of crisis bargaining and proneness to violent conflict to fulfill the requirement for the Economics major. In the process, I developed a critique of the regionalist approach to economic integration currently being used. This was done using an analysis of power consolidation during economic integration within trade blocs and relating it to observed correlates of violent conflict, specifically as a projection of future tension between the EU and future iterations of the CU/SES which are expected to form a Eurasian Union by 2015. The above desires translate to a deep academic interest in, broadly, comparative politics and international relations, though I also have a deep interest in topics concerning public opinion, public policy formation and party politics. More deeply, however, I am driven by an overall desire to live a life in the pursuit of knowledge moreover, knowledge that, while still academic in nature and with academic value, can be used practically. My eventual career goals and activities outside of sheer academics are reflective of this. I am currently interning with the Waukesha County Democratic Party and am in the process of applying concepts presented to me in my education to turning the party around - no major seats have been won by Democrats in Waukesha in decades, and this has presented me with a unique opportunity to upset the status quo in the party. Specifically, I have applied simple spatial models of the voting districts (and

wards, to simplify dealing with redistricting) to outline a strategic framework to work from in the next few election cycles. If done correctly, which is outside of my control, there should be an observable vote share increase over the next few cycles. My eventual goal is to form or work with a group that bridges the gap between optimal policy and policy that is actually able to be passed in the current political climate. This means research into what policies and institutions are optimal and why, modeling districts, legislatures, and international organizations to see what sort of policies can be passed in those individual political climates, lobbying politicians to support those policies which are passable, educating voters on policy to make better policy possible, and putting forward candidates to support good policies who actually can win in their districts. This is my eventual career goal to organize, run, and participate in; including potentially being one of those candidates. Essentially, it is my goal to aid in creating a system of district tailored legislation and campaigning working towards a unitary goal of achieving a political and economic climate in which excellence and advancement are fostered, most likely to be realized, and where the only barriers to entry are one's own drive and aptitude - not the color of their skin, their gender, or their inherited wealth. These goals, in particular their research driven nature, would be greatly furthered by entrance into the Master of Arts in Political Science program. Over the course of my college career, I have established a firm foundation in research, critical reasoning, problem solving and analytical skills in the area of Political Science and Economics. Moreover, I have honed the ability to take information and concepts previously presented to me and apply it to new situations to solve problems and provide insight. Specifically, I have a firm theoretical background in classical, modern, and contemporary political theory, ethics, microeconomics, macroeconomics, and game theory applied to economics. Also, I have undergraduate academic experience in applied theory in the fields of economic employment and labor relations, public economics, health economics, economic development and environmental economics, international economic relations, international organization, international trade, congressional politics and party politics. My undergraduate quantitative and experimental background has been bolstered by outside of independent research and analysis - basic calculus, experimental economics, political science research and economic statistics. These experiences, along with the knowledge gained, should provide a robust foundation upon which to delve further into the topics that are of academic interest to me in the field of Political Science. While my undergraduate studies have supplied me with a basic methodological framework to work off of, graduate study would strongly strengthen and hone my existing skillset.

Unfortunately, however, my current financial status would inhibit me from attending graduate level studies unless granted an assistantship/TA position in the program. Throughout my undergraduate career I have had to work close to full time at third shift/night jobs to pay for tuition, though I have still had to take out loans to attend. To continue this through graduate school would severely hinder my studies and overall performance.

Academic Awards: Deans Honor List 2014

Individuals Writing on my Behalf: Ivan Ascher, Assistant Professor (Political Science Department, UW Milwaukee) Steven B. Redd, Associate Professor (Political Science Department, UW Milwaukee) Matthew McGinty, Associate Professor (Economics Department, UW Milwaukee)