Home  About  In the News  Publications  Blog  Join  Donate  The AU Roosevelt launch helps build connections between AU students and guests from across DC Announcements National Expo: July 11th Hyde Park Summit: August 14-17 Essay Winners Announced in The Nation On Campus Iowa Chapter Holds Forum Zach Hindin in the GW Hatchet Coverage of the Johns Hopkins Chapter Launch > More "There are many ways of going forward, but only one way of standing still." — Franklin Roosevelt    Brandon D Merritt School: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Member of: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Policy interests: Education While I am currently a resident of Iowa, I was born and raised in the great state of Idaho.  I enjoy spending what little free time that I have with family, friends, and anyone who is interested in a conversation.  As for hobbies, I take pride in my commitment to outdoor activities.  I love hiking, camping, fishing, outdoor sports of all sorts and enjoying the beauty that nature provides.  As a Junior at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, I study both Political Science and Global Studies.  Outside of academics I participate in many activities including captaining the University's Mock Trial team, debating over numerous topics in the University of Minnesota Parliamentary Debate Society, and engaging in activities with the Pre-law society. While here at the University of Minnesota, I have begun research into Education policy within the United States and abroad.  I am, at this point in my research, looking into how poverty affects the drafting of such education policies.  During the Fall 2007 semester I plan to travel to Scotland in order to better localize my  current studies into United Kingdom educational policies as they compare to the US policies.  The goal of all this will be to publish my findings in an educational journal.  If anyone has experience in this area of policy feel free to email me links to articles, thoughts, or just pure criticisms you may have concerning my project.   The Roosevelt Institution is a nonpartisan, nonprofit national think tank devoted to bringing students' policy ideas to the policy process. The opinions expressed on this site are exclusively those of its members. DC Headquarters: Roosevelt Institution / 2100 M St NW Suite 610 / Washington, DC 20037 || (202) 833-1359