Korie Vee
Master of Public Affairs and Politics, Class of 2026
Hometown: South Amboy, NJ
A passion for community service that began in childhood grew into a meaningful career in environmental justice for Korie Vee. On track to complete her Master of Public Affairs and Politics (MPAP) degree at the Bloustein School next year, she’s currently reworking those early values into an environmental policy career with a public service focus.
“My path started in Girl Scouts, where I developed a love for helping others and serving the community,” she said. “I fostered that passion through volunteering—making scarves for the homeless, organizing collections for troops, and working at a local food pantry.”
Her first job, where she led volunteer events for the Middlesex County Parks and Recreation department, expanded her interest into environmental issues. “That hands-on experience shaped my desire to pursue public service through an environmental lens.”
Currently working at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), in her role as a Community Liaison, Korie connects underserved cities with environmental resources, grants, and educational tools. Her work there is fully aligned with her professional goals. “It’s a dynamic and impactful role that grows more meaningful with each policy discussion and course I take at Rutgers,” she said.
She was inspired to pursue graduate school after seeing how public policy shapes those efforts. “Policy and politics are how we ensure equitable environmental outcomes,” she continued. “I want to be part of shaping that future.”
Korie first heard about the Bloustein School through NJDEP colleagues. “Several coworkers I admire, who now work as city planners, project managers, and administrators, graduated from Bloustein,” she explained. “They spoke highly of the program and its impact on their careers.”
“I wanted a graduate school that would challenge me intellectually while preparing me for a leadership role in public service. Through family and campus visits, I found that Bloustein stood out as a top choice for both public policy and a public service education.”
She continued, “I’m passionate about environmental justice, community engagement, and helping underserved populations. The Bloustein School aligns with all of those goals.”
Korie has been energized by her public policy formation classes. “It has been exciting to learn how policies are developed and implemented, and then apply that framework to what’s currently happening in the federal government.” What she’s learning in class has really helped her connect the dots between local, state, and federal action. “The timing has been perfect; everything I’m learning has been directly relevant to the major policy debates unfolding across the country.”
She was also surprised to find herself enjoying her statistics course. “I didn’t expect to enjoy it, but understanding how to interpret data and apply it to real-world scenarios has been extremely valuable,” she said. “It’s a skill I’ve already used in my current role.”
After graduation, Korie hopes to move into a leadership position, either at NJDEP or within a nonprofit focused on environmental justice and policy. “I want to be involved in crafting and implementing the kinds of policies that protect communities, especially those disproportionately impacted by environmental harm. Eventually, I could also see myself serving in a public-facing elected or appointed role,” she said.
To prospective students, Korie offers heartfelt advice: “If you’re passionate about public service, equity, and making a real impact, then the Bloustein School is the place for you. Everyone here comes from diverse backgrounds with unique experiences and perspectives that will broaden your own understanding of policy and public service,” she said.
“Networking is extremely important. The more effort you put into engaging with others, the more you’ll get out of your experience. Building those relationships early will not only enrich your time at Rutgers but also expand your professional network for years to come.”
Outside of school and work, Korie finds joy in the outdoors, including hiking, kayaking, and camping, and participating in beach cleanups and wildlife conservation efforts are just a few of those activities. “Educating others about environmental issues is also something I am passionate about,” she said. She recharges and creatively expresses herself through art, including drawing, crocheting, and sewing.”I’m a proud foodie, too! New Brunswick has some of the best hidden gems and local spots, and trying new restaurants has been one of the most fun parts of being in this area.”