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Malissa Fifita

PhD Student

Hometown: Fangaloto, Tonga

Undergraduate Institution and Major: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science – Brigham Young University – Hawai’i

Graduate Institution and Major: Master of Public Administration – Brigham Young University.

Research Interests: My research interests include public management, representation, gender, and ethical leadership in local government. I am particularly interested in the various systems designed to help women succeed in male-dominated fields, such as law enforcement.

Relevant Professional Experience:

2023-2024 – Graduate Research Assistant, Public Service Lab, BYU Marriott School of Business (MPA Program), Provo, Utah.

2023-2024 – Teaching Assistant, Dr. Robert Christensen, The Foundation of Public Service (MPA 684), BYU Marriott School of Business (MPA Program), Provo Utah.

2024 – Teaching Assistant, Dr. David Matkin, Public Finance, BYU Marriott School of Business (MPA Program), Provo, Utah.

Working Paper:

Fifita, Malissa, Christensen, Robert K., and Hart, David. “Ethics in Public Administration and Beyond: A Bibliometric Analysis.”

Professional Reports:

Fifita, Malissa and Christensen, Robert K. (2024) Comparative Analysis Report for the Utah Lake Authority.

Professional Affiliations:

Pi Sigma Alpha, The National Political Science Honor Society (2019)

Honors and Awards:

University Fellowship, The Ohio State University, 2024

Stewart L. Grow Award: Presented to a student in the BYU Marriott School of Business (MPA Program) in Provo, Utah, who best demonstrates traits of excellence.

Personal Interests: spending time with my family, hiking, exploring places, and Korean & Chinese television drama.