Julianne Downing (AM’24)

In the vibrant academic landscape of the University of Chicago, students like Julianne Downing navigate their diverse intellectual pursuits with passion and purpose. Having recently completed her second master's degree through the Master of Arts Program in the Social Sciences (MAPSS), Julianne has a keen focus on the intersection of higher education and democracy. Her thesis, titled “Consolidating Control: Recent Republican Anti-Democratic Strategies in Higher Education,” investigates how right-wing actors infiltrate college campuses to manipulate political outcomes.  “I explore instances of voter suppression and academic freedom,” she explains, highlighting the urgency and relevance of her work in an election year.

The MAPSS program’s flexible design is what drew Julianne to MAPSS. Julianne appreciates the “choose-your-own-path” style of learning, where she could select courses that align with her research interests and career aspirations. This freedom encourages students to explore various disciplines and develop a personalized educational path. “That wide menu of coursework opportunities is a unique feature of our program,” she asserts, highlighting how it empowers students to prepare for a variety of careers, whether in academia or beyond.

Collaboration and community are integral to the MAPSS experience. Julianne finds immense value in the diverse cohort, noting that “being surrounded by different kinds of thinking and ways of knowing stimulates everyone’s creativity.” This interdisciplinary environment has fostered lasting friendships and enriched discussions, both in and out of the classroom. Additionally, her involvement as a Graduate Student Affiliate at the Chicago Center on Democracy and as a volunteer writing coach with Write to Vote provided her valuable experience during her time in MAPSS, and illustrates her commitment to engaging with pro-democracy initiatives. Through these experiences, Julianne is not only honing her research skills but also contributing to a broader movement that seeks to empower young voices in democracy.

Update: After this profile was initially published, Julianne accepted a role a grant manager with an educational non-profit, where she leads grant writing and fundraising strategy.