What Our Alumni Have to Say About Future Problem Solving

Paula is a Life Coordinator at the University of Northern Iowa.  "Researching in FPS was definitely a benefit when I was writing research papers in college.  I've also noticed that many people I went to school with got stuck doing things one way and found it difficult when forced to change their thought process or think outside the box.  I never had that problem.  FPS has remained a large part of my life, since I evaluate at the state and international level.  I've been  lucky enough to meet some of the most amazing people!"

Reuben completed his master's degree at the Harvard School of Education.  He is currently Senior Director, Investigating History Magnify in Boston, Massachusetts.  "FPS instilled in me a logical, analytical way of thinking about  a topic.  Using different categories to examine an issue as well as practicing thinking through short- and long-term effects of current trends is something that I have taken with me to any problem I'm faced with.  Working with others taught me how to navigate team dynamics.  Writing creative stories gave me an appreciation about the interactive cycle of drafting and revising, and recognition that this cycle could never be finished."  

Evan has a PhD in Ecology from the University of California, Davis and is currently a wetland restoration  ecologist in Berkeley.  "During my entire K-12 tenure in the Madison, Wisconsin School District, no other experience was more influential or beneficial to my ability to think broadly and creatively then FPS.  At many points in my life, without actively thinking about it, I have taken what seemed like the obvious, simple, and necessary step of evaluating situations by prioritizing problems and choosing from a range of potential solutions."

Danielle received a bachelor's degree in sociology & anthropology from Washington & Lee University, and an M.Ed. in International Higher Education from Loyola University in Chicago.  She is currently a Strategic Program Manager & Global Social Impact Leader in Atlanta, Georgia.  "Participating in FPS has had a profound impact on may education, career, plans for the future, and interpersonal relationships.  Most notably, I learned to see undesirable and/or unforeseen circumstances as solvable challenges rather than insurmountable problems.  This mindset has encouraged me to pursue experiences that were outside of mu comfort zone and to take on responsibilities that required me to quickly acquire additional skills. "

David is an attorney for the Wisconsin Ethics Commission.  As staff counsel, he provides legal advice to the Commission and its staff, investigates alleged violations of campaign finance, lobbying, and ethics law, and represents the Commission in all legal maters.  He is currently a Wisconsin evaluator and serves on our board of directors.  "FPS taught me to look at problems critically and creatively.  I also learned a lot about working with a team and how to communicate effectively.  Whether the problem is global warming or an aging voting system, the steps to address it are largely the same."

Dan is a graduate of UW Madison and currently works at Epic Systems in Verona, Wisconsin, as an Integration Engineer.  He manages the implementation of interfaces used to exchange data between systems at healthcare organizations that are installing Epic's electronic medical records. He also serves on our board of directors.  "FPS helped e develop critical thinking skills in middle and high school that helped prepare me for engineering courses.  The process also contributed towards my involvement in extracurricular activities at college."

Nikki attended Carleton College as a psychology major/educational studies minor.  After teaching English in Moscow for two years and pursuing creative arts, she became interested in floral design.  In 2014 she had her husband moved to Cincinnati and launched a flower shop, Linger.  In 2016 Nikki turned Linger into a hobby and pursued a career in marketing.  She is now Demand Gen Director at NaviStone, an adtech startup.  "I met lifelong friends through FPS.   I continue to think and act like an FPSer.  When I was a student, we were talking about 2020 and beyond, and her we are living it.  We are truly the future."

Emily attended the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse where she received a Bachelor's of Arts degree with a major in Spanish and a minor in computer science.  She is currently a software developer for Kwik Trip, Inc.  "FPS taught me critical thinking and problem solving skills.  Being able to examine scenarios from innovative and futuristic perspectives is so valuable.  These skills aided in my academic success in high school and college.  I truly believe that joining FPS was the best decision I could have made back in 6th grade."

Andy went to Olin College of Engineering near Boston and is married to his former teammate, Kirsten (Dier).  After 6 years of teaching, Andy took a job with the Boston-based Center for Curriculum Redesign, doing part-time curriculum and systems design.  By partnering with a group of U.S. engineers developing open source medical products, Andy was able to obtain a 3-D printer and produce PPEs for local workers.  He also developed data monitoring systems for an environmental nonprofit, allowing the NGO to complete a grant to obtain ongoing carbon credit funding.  Andy is now owner of Pethan Consulting LLC in Appleton, Wisconsin, and is a curriculum and educational software consultant.  "FPS taught Kirsten and I to be flexible and globally minded.  We have the openness and confidence to seek, thrive in, and contribute to communities far different from our upbringing.  We are able to evaluate the world, communities, and ourselves differently because of FPS knowledge and experiences."