Ben Pontz

University of Manchester Postgraduate Award, University of Manchester - Public Policy

During a summer internship several years ago, Ben saw first-hand what a successful civic apparatus at the local level can look like. Since then, he has been interested in how local policymaking might be made more effective and more equitable. Studying governance and public policy at the University of Manchester, Ben intends to research the implications of devolution in the United Kingdom and add a comparative perspective to his frame of reference in anticipation of a lifetime in the civic arena. Ben holds a B.A. in Political Science and Public Policy from Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, from which he graduated Phi Beta Kappa and summa cum laude in May 2020. After his Fulbright grant, he plans to attend Harvard Law School. In addition to his interest in politics and public policy, Ben is a musician who served as drum major of his college marching band and played euphonium in his college wind ensemble. He has also worked in journalism both professionally and as a co-curricular activity and has won awards both for news and opinion writing. He looks forward to exploring both British Brass Bands as well as British newspapers!