Two students from Florida State University’s Reubin O’D. Askew School of Public Administration and Policy have been selected as 2026 American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) Founders’ Fellows, joining just 35 students worldwide.
Now in its 15th year, the Founders’ Fellows Program recognizes exceptional graduate students, early-career scholars, and practitioners who demonstrate strong potential in public service.
Fellows are selected through a rigorous national review process and participate in a yearlong development experience that includes mentorship from senior scholars or practitioners, professional networking opportunities, and presentations of their work at the ASPA Annual Conference.
FSU Askew Founders’ Fellows
Meri Hovsepyan
MPA Student
Hovsepyan is currently pursuing her Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree at Florida State University and holds a Ph.D. in International Economics from Armenian State University of Economics. Her professional experience includes serving as Senior Economist and Head of Economic Research for the Public Relations and Information Center of the Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, as well as roles as a visiting researcher, senior researcher, and lecturer at several Armenian institutions.
“Being selected as an ASPA Founders’ Fellow feels both surreal and deeply symbolic. It reflects years of courage, faith, and an unwavering belief that where you begin does not define how far you can go,” Hovsepyan said. “For me, this accomplishment carries the voices of my family, my community, and my country—everyone who dared to dream beyond borders and stood by me throughout this journey. It is a journey that began with my very first steps in a small Armenian village called Zolakar, and now those same footsteps are leading me from Florida State University to Hollywood to receive the prestigious Founders’ Fellow award from the American Society for Public Administration. This makes the journey even more meaningful—it is proof that dedication, resilience, and hard work are the keys to transforming dreams into impact.”
Sina Jangjoo
Doctoral Student
Jangjoo is a doctoral student in the Askew School of Public Administration and Policy whose research focuses on urban policy, sustainability, clean energy transitions, and nonprofit governance. His work examines early-stage technological innovation and renewable energy transitions in cities, with particular attention to collaborative governance and the role of nonprofits. He is a recipient of FSU’s Graduate School Student Leadership Pursuit Award and has demonstrated strong leadership through service as President of the Public Administration Graduates Association.
“This recognition is meaningful because it supports my work at the intersection of science, technology, and environmental policy, particularly research on how local governments and nonprofits navigate sustainability transitions when institutional capacity lags behind policy goals,” Jangjoo said. “It also provides an opportunity to build strong relationships and engage in meaningful dialogue with scholars and practitioners committed to public service.”
This accomplishment marks the second year that FSU students have been selected as ASPA Founders’ Fellows, further solidifying the Askew School’s national reputation for preparing the next generation of public service leaders through rigorous academic training and applied learning.
The Askew School is committed to helping students reach their full potential. Its top-ranked MPA program and nationally recognized research output prepare students with the leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills essential for success in their careers.
For more information about FSU’s Askew School visit askew.fsu.edu.