MSU’s Mattison, Guo-Yue visit Harvard for prestigious public service conference

Contact: Lexi Holdiness

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Two Mississippi State juniors are ready for their next steps in higher education after participating in Harvard University’s immersive networking and graduate school-preparatory experience for outstanding undergraduates interested in public policy.

Holden Mattison, a junior political science major, and April Guo-Yue, a junior biomedical engineering and computer science double major, were selected for the 24th annual Public Policy Leadership Conference in Cambridge, Massachusetts, held last week. There, they received front-row seats to the Harvard Kennedy School graduate student experience while networking with HKS students, faculty and staff.

PPLC participants must submit an extensive application months before the conference and meet numerous requirements, including a 3.0 or higher GPA, as well as a demonstrated commitment to public service through activism, student leadership and civic engagement in their schools and communities, or through volunteer efforts.

Mattison, a Vancleave native, leveraged his passion for rural areas in America including his hometown in Mississippi, in his application. Where larger urban areas thrive in development, he said there are countless rural areas lacking the metrics to accomplish the same advancements in both social and economic domains.

“We cannot just sweep these issues under the rug; we need to face them head-on,” Mattison said. “The conference introduced me to some of our nation’s brightest minds. During the conference I learned and shared new ideas for how we can tackle the problems our country faces every day, while also getting to hear from graduate school professors about the endless possibilities higher education in public policy provides. My experiences in Cambridge are something I will hold onto as I continue my professional career.”

At MSU, Mattison serves as vice president of the College of Arts and Sciences’ student ambassadors. He also is a member of the Shackouls Honors Council, MSU Access Peer Mentors and the Stennis Montgomery Association.

Guo-Yue focused her application on how her background in Mississippi and experiences at MSU have shaped her research interests in public policy. By attending other conferences like PPLC, conducting undergraduate research and participating in public service programs, she has tailored her education to provide a necessary skillset to address real-world issues.

“These experiences have developed my understanding of the intersection of research, technology, and public policy, while solidifying my commitment to addressing the challenges faced by marginalized and underserved communities in Mississippi and beyond. I am committed to improving healthcare technology, advancing scientific education and literacy, and promoting environmental and agricultural justice,” Guo-Yue said. “PPLC has broadened my perspective and introduced me to others equally passionate about driving real, meaningful change in their communities. The resources and insights I’ve gained from this program will be invaluable to me as I work toward making these goals a reality.”

The Starkville native serves as the student council president of the Bagley College of Engineering, a Student Association senator, treasurer of the Society of Women Engineers and an undergraduate research ambassador for the Office of Research and Economic Development.

Both Mattison and Guo-Yue said they are grateful for the mentorship and support MSU has provided them.

“This institution has gifted me the tools and opportunity to succeed in my academic endeavors and beyond. Moreover, I am surrounded by a community that wants to see me succeed. I truly feel that I belong here,” Mattison said. “Wherever I go in life, I know for a fact I will represent the Maroon and White with pride.”

“Mississippi State University has been a significant part of my journey, and I’m truly grateful for the support I’ve received from the agricultural and biological engineering, computer science and engineering, and electrical and computer engineering departments, along with the Bagley College of Engineering and the Shackouls Honors College,” Guo-Yue said. “The mentorship I’ve found here has pushed me to tackle challenges and strive for excellence.”

Learn about MSU’s Office of Prestigious External Scholarships at https://www.honors.msstate.edu/prestigious-external-scholarships/ or email David Hoffman, interim director and professor, at dhoffman@honors.msstate.edu.

Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.