Olivia Cheche is a second-year student in the Public Affairs Ph.D. program, housed within the School of Public Policy and Leadership at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Brookings Public Policy from UNLV in spring 2022, achieving University Honors and receiving recognition at her commencement as an Outstanding Graduate. Following work experience at a think tank in Washington, D.C., Cheche earned her Master’s in Higher Education from the University of Pennsylvania. 

Cheche’s research focuses on higher education governance and funding, specifically aiming to consider how students engage with the Nevada System of Higher Education and Nevada Board of Regents. Beyond the classroom, she supports research and teaching activities through her Graduate Assistantship with the School of Public Policy and Leadership. Cheche also serves as a Grad Rebel Ambassador, demonstrating her commitment to graduate education by giving back to current and prospective students and serving as a student leader. A former Consolidated Students of UNLV (CSUN) student government representative, new student orientation leader, and undergraduate researcher focused on local and state-level public policy issues, Cheche aims to continue building a career focused on higher education policy, government engagement, and community engagement within her Las Vegas community.