A Hidden Gem on Campus

While the Public Policy Research Institute (PPRI) at Texas A&M University may not be student-facing in the traditional sense, its impact on students is both profound and far-reaching. Nestled within the heart of Aggieland, PPRI offers undergraduate and graduate students hands-on research opportunities that bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world application. Through mentorship, meaningful work, and exposure to policy-relevant research, PPRI is helping shape the next generation of leaders, analysts, systems managers, and changemakers.

Research with Purpose, Training with Impact

PPRI is a nationally recognized research organization that conducts rigorous, policy-relevant studies in areas such as criminal justice, public health, youth development, education, substance abuse, workforce, and veterans’ services. Beyond its research portfolio, PPRI serves as a professional launchpad for Aggies, giving students and staff the experience they need to advance in their chosen field.

Each year, PPRI employs a cohort of student workers ranging from first-year undergraduates to doctoral candidates who contribute to high-impact projects while gaining valuable skills in data analysis, qualitative research, stakeholder engagement, and academic writing. These students don’t just assist, they collaborate with stakeholders, design new survey materials, participate in planning sessions, manage real data, present at national conferences, and co-author publications. Their work often appears in final reports, academic publications, and even legislative testimony.

The application process is intentionally informal, allowing students to connect directly with principal investigators based on mutual interests and project needs. This flexibility fosters a collaborative environment where students are matched with projects that align with their academic goals and career aspirations.

Student Voices

Jamie Lim, Graduate Economics Major, Class of ‘25

“At PPRI, I contribute to both quantitative and qualitative research through data entry, statistical analysis, and the creation of graphics. I’ve worked on projects like the Counsel at First Appearance study and the Travis County Indigent Defense Evaluation. It’s rewarding to know that our work contributes to real policy decisions. This experience has helped me explore what I want to do in the future.”

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Matthew Laughlin, B.S. Public Health + MPH Epidemiology, Class of ‘25

“The SAFER Meals project was a spectacular internship experience. I honed my skills in data analysis and writing and received instrumental feedback from expert researchers. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to gain professional research experience.”

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Anthony Jackson, Sociology Ph.D. Student

“The work I have performed with PPRI has sufficiently prepared me for the research requirements of my PhD program. I have consistently benefited from the reciprocal relationship we have: my work at PPRI informs my studies and my studies enable me to improve the work I do with PPRI. Leadership at PPRI has been fully supportive of my desire to continue my formal education, and I am appreciative of the continued support I have received during my studies.”

Anthony began at PPRI as a full-time staff member conducting interviews, training field staff, and programming surveys. As his role expanded to managing needs assessments and evaluations, he pursued a Ph.D. while continuing to support PPRI as a student worker. His journey highlights PPRI’s long-term mentorship, with hands-on experience in grant writing, manuscript development, and stakeholder engagement. Anthony has testified before legislators, co-authored publications, and presented them at national conferences, all while serving as a Graduate Assistant Researcher.

Building the Future, One Aggie at a Time

PPRI’s commitment to student development is a core part of its mission to lead in the field of applied policy. By integrating students into meaningful research roles, PPRI not only enhances its own capacity to deliver high-quality work but also invests in the future of public policy, research, and leadership.

Whether it’s through data dashboards, stakeholder outreach, or national conference presentations, Aggies at PPRI are gaining the tools they need to thrive in their careers and to be effective in the world.