For general admissions inquiries
Office of Admissions
The Heller School for Social Policy and Management
Brandeis University
415 South Street (MS 035)
Waltham, MA 02454-9110
Phone: 781-736-3820
Email: helleradmissions@brandeis.edu
Contact Us
Admissions Staff
Our admissions staff look forward to speaking with you. If you have any questions please email us at helleradmissions@brandeis.edu.
Hannah Locke
Interim Director of Admissions
Connect with me about: Master of Science in Global Health Policy and Management (GHPM) and Master of Arts in Global Sustainability Policy and Management (GSPM) admissions
Jocie Sobieraj
Associate Director of Admissions
Connect with me about: Master of Public Policy (MPP) and PhD in Social Policy admissions
Jill Maley
Associate Director of Admissions (part-time)
Connect with me about: Communications
Student Ambassadors
Our student ambassadors are here to answer any questions you may have about the student experience. Connect with them during a campus visit, or schedule a virtual 1:1 chat.
Karen Azucena Alfaro, PhD Social Policy and Management'26
About me: I was born and raised in San Francisco, California. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, with a minor in psychology, from San Jose State University. I then pursued a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Global Health from the Loma Linda University School of Public Health. My diverse experiences have shaped my unique perspective, leading me down an unexpected path in policy studies. Today, I am a proud PhD candidate in the Behavioral Health concentration at the Heller School for Social Policy and Management. I am deeply passionate about exploring how integrative health approaches, such as meditation, yoga, nature, etc., can support individuals with alcohol and or drug use disorders, especially within BIPOC communities. I am delighted to be a part of the admissions team and look forward to connecting with current and prospective students.
Favorite place in Boston/Waltham: I love strolling along the Charles River with my dog, Honey. The river is full of hidden gems, and its vastness means you can start exploring from almost anywhere. I also enjoy visiting the Boston Public Library—it's a peaceful retreat filled with history, offering a quiet space to get lost in a good book or attend an event.
Lal Kumar, Master of Public Policy'25
About me: I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 2008 and three Master’s degrees in Business Administration, Management Science, and Education Administration Planning and Policy. I have more than thirteen years of work experience in the areas of education, health, climate justice, youth development, and gender equity. Prior to attending Heller, I worked with UNDP as a Project Coordinator for Youth Education; Employment and Empowerment Program. I also worked with World Bank for a Public Private Partnership program through per child subsidy model to promote education in rural areas of Sindh Province. I am especially passionate about the convergence of education, health, climate resilience, and AI policy, and designing integrated implementation strategies to meet the socioeconomic needs of underserved communities. During my time as an admissions GA I am excited to add value in the work and interact with individuals from various parts of the world. In my leisure time, I enjoy listening to books, walking, cooking, and socializing with friends.
Favorite place in Boston/Waltham: Boston has really good walking trails and parks to enjoy in sunny days during summer. I have heard about the interesting museum that I aim to visit soon!
Murray Dawson, MA in Conflict Resolution and Coexistence'25
About me: I grew up surfing and working with horses in Santa Barbara, California. For my undergrad, I attended the University of California, San Diego, where I earned a B.S. in Cognitive Science learning about neuroscience, psychology, and technology (artificial intelligence). During my undergrad I interned and worked on defense policy issues in the Department of Defense at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, San Diego, and at U.S. Central Command. Additionally, I had the privilege to participate in the University of California, Washington D.C. program where I lived just six blocks from the White House and interned under a Biden/Harris political appointee at the Department of Energy, Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs. I got to learn about all of the amazing clean energy technologies being worked on and the reality of trying to pass legislation through Congress (the most difficult task). All of these experiences and more drew me to the Heller School’s M.A. in Conflict Resolution and Coexistence program for its strong curriculum on peacebuilding and its many courses on negotiation and mediation to understand the bargaining process of peace, government, and business deals. In addition to my studies in the COEX program, I am also an officer cadet in the U.S. Army ROTC program at Boston University. I am deeply passionate about leading with an equity-minded approach and the intersection of social justice in public policy and business. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, exploring new areas of Boston, socializing with friends, and a good book.