Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy

A summer internship is a required part of the Heinz College experience because we believe in the power of applying classroom skills in real-world settings before graduation. This summer, our student interns are working across the country at organizations ranging from small nonprofits to some of the largest tech companies in the world, and we want to highlight what they are up to.

Tanya Wang is a Master of Information Security Policy & Management student who is spending her summer interning at Boeing as an IT Project Management Intern.

From a young age, Tanya has been fascinated by planes and spaceships. This early interest led her to pursue an opportunity at Boeing.

Much of her time is spent researching, supporting system migrations and modernization efforts, helping finalize standards to advance initiatives, documenting processes to reduce deficiencies, and participating in demos and brainstorming sessions with colleagues.

We are excited to see our students creating meaningful impact within the organizations they are part of this summer!

Eli Potter, one of our distinguished alumni, has spent her career as an executive and consultant in the business technology space. Throughout that journey, she has championed a philosophy centered on investing in others, elevating ideas, and leading with purpose.

Part of that inspiration comes from the “Big Six,” a group of close friends who met as Heinz College students and have maintained their bond for nearly 30 years.

Learn more about Eli’s career, her commitment to mentorship and sponsorship, and how she continues to support the next generation of Heinz College students! https://www.cmu.edu/engage/news-stories/news/ai-cant-be-what-ai-cant-see-alum-eli-potter-role-models-are-success

Wellness tourism is evolving beyond relaxation and into sleep tracking, longevity programs, and health optimization.

In a new BBC article exploring the rise of modern wellness retreats, Heinz College professor Ari Lightman shares insight into why travelers are increasingly seeking transformative experiences centered around long-term health and wellbeing.

You can read the article here! https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20260519-the-evolution-of-the-wellness-retreat

We would like to extend our congratulations to Professor Avinash (Avi) Collis and incoming Professor Brian Jabarian on their selection to the inaugural cohort of global economic scholars in a research program launched by Google AI.

They, along with six other researchers from around the world, will receive funding to support independent research into the transformative impacts of artificial intelligence on labor markets and related economic outcomes.

You can more about the program here! https://ai.google/economy/ai-economy-researchers/

The deadline to apply for the 2026 Policy Impact Lab is approaching!

Join us in Washington, D.C., for a weekend of networking, learning, and hands-on problem solving. From a keynote address by Jake Day, Maryland's Secretary of Housing and Community Development and a Heinz College alumnus, to a team-based Policy Hackathon tackling real-world challenges, you will gain valuable experience while connecting with mission-driven people who want to make an impact—people like yourself.

Learn more and apply by June 22: https://www.heinz.cmu.edu/programs/_landing-pages/heinz-policy-impact-lab-2026

Lorretta Sackey, a 2019 graduate of the Master of Public Management program, works at the intersection of policy and practice, helping state governments improve support systems for crime survivors. She currently serves as a project manager at The Council of State Governments Justice Center.

Her work focuses on ensuring policies are grounded in data while reflecting the real needs of communities. With many survivors unaware of the resources available to them, Lorretta is committed to expanding access, awareness, and community-based support for underserved populations.

Read more about Lorretta and the impact of her work here! https://www.heinz.cmu.edu/media/2026/May/closing-the-gap-between-policy-and-practice-alumna-lorretta-sackey-work-to-expand-access-for-crime-survivors

Next month, Heinz College will host the 2026 Policy Impact Lab, a weekend dedicated to learning, creating, and networking in Washington, D.C.

From a keynote by Jake Day, Maryland's Secretary of Housing and Community Development and a Carnegie Mellon alumnus, to a team based Policy Hackathon focused on real world challenges, participants will have the opportunity to learn from experts, collaborate with peers, and put their problem solving skills to work.

Interested in joining us? Learn more and apply here! https://www.heinz.cmu.edu/programs/_landing-pages/heinz-policy-impact-lab-2026

As energy costs rise across Pennsylvania, Heinz College students are helping communities prepare for a more affordable energy future.

Graduate students Hanna Theile, Maddie Curtis, Edgardo Diaz Velazquez, and Belen Torres partnered with Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services to create a community solar guidebook for nonprofits across the state. Working alongside Nathan Porceng, Tim Fitchett, and faculty advisor Professor Silvia Borzutzky, the project explores how community solar can expand energy access for renters, seniors, and lower income households.

Read more about their work and its impact on Pennsylvania’s energy future! https://www.heinz.cmu.edu/media/2026/May/as-energy-costs-rise-cmu-students-help-communities-plan-for-affordable-solar-access

Andrew Garin was recently featured by CNBC, sharing insights on the growing role of AI in personal finance and how people can better approach prompt writing when using these tools.

As AI becomes more integrated into everyday decision-making, conversations around how to use it thoughtfully and effectively continue to grow in importance.

Read more here! https://www.cnbc.com/2026/05/08/income-stacking-why-gen-z-is-juggling-multiple-jobs.html

Every year, a group of our first-year Master of Entertainment Industry Management students travel across the globe to take part in the Cannes Film Festival, one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world.

From attending screenings with the likes of Guillermo del Toro to interning with companies at the festival, they get to experience so many aspects of the entertainment business that they can take with them into the rest of their careers!