Policy Profile - Matthew Steinhelfer

Matthew Steinhelfer
aboard a U.S. UH-1H helicopter in Bolivia

Name: Matthew Steinhelfer, Foreign Affairs Officer, U.S. Department of State Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs

SPP Program of Study: Peace Operations

Degrees: George Washington University, Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs

Why Mason’s School of Public Policy (SPP): As part of my duties at the State Department, I traveled to Timor-Leste in 2006 after the postelection conflict erupted. I listened to firsthand stories of the conflict, witnessed burned homes and refugee camps, and came to understand that the international community’s response to the conflict was insufficient and at times ineffective. The combination of this experience and my belief that a purely theoretical understanding of many issues is less than adequate, led me to search for a master’s program that matched theoretical foundations with practical skills. The Peace Operations Policy Program gave the precise balance.

Memorable SPP Moment: One great aspect of the Peace Operations Policy Program is the varied backgrounds of the students. There are civilians, military personnel, international students, diplomats, civil society workers, and Capitol Hill junkies, who provide unique perspectives and lively debates. Some of my most memorable SPP moments come from Professor Allison Frendak-Blume’s Experiential Applications class, which certainly provided practical skills in dealing with personalities in international conflict situations.

Academic/Career Interests: My time in the U.S. Department of State has been challenging, but it also has been a rewarding public service experience. Although I envision remaining with the department for years to come, I still desire to give back more directly to those in need. In the future, I hope to use my experiences and the opportunities given to me to address conflict, poverty, and education by teaching others, working overseas, or seeking new ways to tackle the issues of our time.