Cameron Cheam Shapiro (he/him)

Heinz College of Public Policy and Information Systems

1st Year / Master of Science in Public Policy and Management-DC Track (MSPPM-DC)

Hometown: Long Beach, California

1. What are your academic and/or professional goals? Since I was fifteen, I have wanted to pursue a career in international affairs and public service. Having spent thirteen years in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and meeting US foreign service officers at the American Embassy there, I developed a passion for geopolitics, US foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific, and international trade. I still aspire to work in the field of international relations, and hope to do so through my fellowship in DC this next academic year. 
2. Tell us about a significant moment in your academic journey at CMU so far. Through connections at CMU, I was able to join a youth delegation to the 21st Meeting of States Parties to the Ottawa Treaty in Geneva, Switzerland. I spent a week in November at the UN, learning about "mine action" from diplomats and other youth delegates, experiencing life on the plenary floor, and enjoying some extraordinary fondue! 
3. What do you like to do in your time away from academic work? When not endlessly working on homework, I spend my time going to the campus gym, watching a Pittsburgh Penguins game, or exploring new museums!
4. Tell us about your last memorable meal. What was it, where did you have it, and who were you with? Recently, friends from my cohort came together to host a joint birthday party with a plethora of food and drinks. One of the birthday cakes was supposed to be pumpkin pie, but after misreading the label, a friend accidentally bought a sweet potato pie. I ended up trying a slice for the first time, and it wasn't half bad! 
5. What's your favorite thing about Pittsburgh? I can't get enough of Point State Park. I have been there multiple times now, and every time I go, I am amazed by the bridges, hills, greenery, sports stadiums, boats... It's a great view, especially during the warmer months.