Academics

Accelerated Bachelor’s of Arts/Master’s of Arts in Managerial Economics with a Data Emphasis – University of Oklahoma

My master’s coursework emphasizes data analytics, econometrics, and statistics to prepare me for real world, data driven problem solving. I have taken courses in econometrics, statistics, grad-level economic theory, data science and analytics, and empirical economic research. Highlights of my degree include presenting at the 2025 meeting of the midwest economics association and holding an executive position in the OU economics club.

Bachelor’s of Arts in Economics and Political Science, Minor in History- University of Oklahoma

I studied Economics and Political Science with a minor and history at the University of Oklahoma and finished the undergrad component of my degree in May of 2024 (degree will be conferred in May 2025 when masters component is completed). Throughout my degree, I had the opportunity to take classes in econometrics, macroeconomics, microeconomics, American politics, economic policy, data analysis, research methods, statistics, mathematics, and survey and field research methodology.

Work Experience

Student Archivist – Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center

March 2021 – Present

I am the project manager and team supervisor on a grant awarded to the Carl Albert Center Congressional Research and Studies Center by the National Endowment for the Humanities. In this role, I lead a team of employees and interns to digitize and preserve documents related to the sovereignty of Oklahoma’s native tribes and their relations to the federal government.

Research Assistant (Undergraduate Research Fellow) – University of Oklahoma Department of Political Science

May 2022 – May 2023

I was the undergraduate research assistant to Dr. John Kuk, assistant professor of political science at the University of Oklahoma, until he took a job at Michigan State University. In this role I had the chance to vastly improve my programming, research, analysis, and statistical skills as I worked with Dr. Kuk to learn the process of data analysis. Through this position, I became proficient in R and developed a working knowledge of statistical methods used in data analysis.

Lobbyist Intern – Shouse Consulting

March 2022 – May 2022

Through the OU Capitol Scholars program, I had the opportunity to work as a lobbyist intern for Jerrod Shouse, a successful and well-respected contract lobbyist in Oklahoma. This internship facilitated networking with many of the most influential lawmakers and leaders in Oklahoma and learn how big political decisions are made.

Summer Camp Coordinator and Staff Tennis Instructor – Westwood Tennis Center

May 2017 – August 2021

Throughout high school and the beginning of college, I worked as a tennis instructor at Westwood Tennis Center – the Norman, OK, community tennis courts where I grew up playing and taking lessons. In the summers of 2020 and 2021, I was the Westwood Summer Camp Coordinator. In this role, I was responsible for planning, organizing, and executing a lesson plan for over 50 kids a week – ranging in age from preschool to high school – as well as managing a staff of 5-7 Staff Instructors. In addition to my organizational and leadership roles, I was also responsible for communication with the parents and guardians of our campers.

Fellowships and Activities

Society of Fellows – University of Oklahoma Institute for American Constitutional Heritage

The IACH is an honorary scholarship program that recognizes and cultivates accomplished undergraduate students at OU. My cohort met once a month to discuss important issues in politics, philosophy, and constitutional history.

Faculty Liaison – OU Economics Club

I coordinate the Economics Club’s relationship with our department faculty and serve on the executive team for the club.

Carl Albert Undergraduate Research Fellowship – University of Oklahoma Department of Political Science

September 2022 – May 2023

I was an undergraduate research fellow for the 2022-23 school year. The Carl Albert Research Fellowship program provides mentorship and funding for student-led research.

Carl Albert Capitol Scholars Program

January 2022 – May 2022

Capitol Scholars service learning course focusing on Oklahoma state government and politics in which I interned with Shouse Consulting, a highly-respected contract lobbying firm in OKC.

Awards

Midwest Economics Association Undergraduate Research Presentation

March 2025

I presented research done in my undergrad during the undergraduate presentation session.

Joseph Crim Pray Endowed Paper Award – University of Oklahoma Political Science Department

May 2023

An award given for the best paper in a core political science class.

Christopher A. de Jong Memorial Scholarship – University of Oklahoma Political Science Department

May 2023

An award given to the student in the OU political science department who demonstrates the most extraordinary love for learning in pursuit of their undergraduate education.

Student Employee of the Year Scholarship – University of Oklahoma Financial Aid Services

May 2022

An award given to the top-8 student employees on OU’s campus as nominated by their supervisors.

References

Ja Pryse – Senior Archivist, Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center

japryse@ou.edu

Contact Info

Email – willmiller@ou.edu