Jenna Agnello

Master of Public Policy, Class of 2027

South River, NJ
Personal interests: Hiking, skiing, camping, kayaking, and other outdoor activities; attending concerts and listening to music; yoga

An avid outdoorswoman, Jenna’s Gold Award Project—the final honor you can achieve in Girl Scouts—was based on sustainability and environmental concerns.  

“I earned a dual bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Communications, and a minor in Sociology from the Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences in 2021. But the ever-growing concern of climate change is something that has always motivated me,” she said. 

Her time at the Bloustein School began in 2017 when she took a job as a student assistant at the Civic Square Building’s front desk. She briefly worked in a private direct support professional role after graduating and returned to Rutgers in 2022 to work at the Bloustein Center for Survey Research. As a research project assistant, she is gaining expertise in research methods, data analysis, and project management. 

She chose the master’s program in public policy because of her love for the environment. One of her first courses, Public Policy Formation, really opened the door for her to what public policy is all about. Learning about current laws in place and how to understand them has helped her gain a new appreciation for what has been done, but also how much more needs to be fixed.  

“I have grown to love the school and the professors and students who are a part of it. When deciding on my master’s program, and the realization that I wanted to do public policy, Bloustein was the obvious choice,” she said. “My time at Rutgers as a student and employee has been valuable, and I am thrilled that I get to extend my time spent here.” 

Jenna continued, “The Bloustein School community has many supportive individuals and resources that will make your time here well spent. Professors, student and academic services, and fellow students are here to help and want to see you succeed.” 

Jenna—whose goal is to visit all 63 national parks in the United States—knows she wants to eventually work in an environmental and climate advocacy capacity. “My time spent in nature is always cherished.  I want to be a part of the future of environmental policy. I want to be an individual who can speak on matters that concern the environment, and work with others who share the same passion.”