A Master of Public Policy student from Mexico speaks about how GPS donors’ generosity helped fulfill “a lifelong dream” to study in the United States
Fernando Domínguez Calderón didn’t originally plan to go back to school. However, his decision to enroll developed progressively.
While working at Magenta, a firm that uses behavioral science to design programs to solve social development challenges, he was impressed by the way his colleagues found intelligent, workable ways to improve people’s lives. Later, he served as deputy director of strategy and public policy for North America at Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he supported high-level coordination on political, economic, migration, border and security affairs. While he was capable of carrying out these responsibilities, he recognized the value of strengthening his formal training in policy design, particularly the quantitative aspect.
GPS News spoke with Domínguez Calderón about what he has gotten out of his time at UC San Diego’s School of Global Policy and Strategy (GPS), both as a Master of Public Policy (MPP) candidate and as a graduate student researcher at the school’s Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies.
He also spoke about how receiving a Price Fellowship played an essential role in making it all possible.
What led you to choose UC San Diego, especially given that you’re from Mexico?
As I started looking for graduate degrees, I spoke with Rafael Fernández de Castro, a GPS faculty member who was also my professor during my undergraduate studies in Mexico. Due to my passion for U.S.-Mexico relations, he suggested I look at UC San Diego. He helped me understand the potential that the university’s academic strengths, combined with its proximity to Mexico, create a uniquely immersive environment for studying cross-border policy.
I believe the futures of the U.S. and Mexico are intertwined, so it’s essential to strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation. UC San Diego’s location near the border is unparalleled, offering a front-row view of the bilateral relationship — including migration, trade, security and political dynamics.
In what ways has your education at GPS has given you a competitive edge in your field?
At GPS, we are challenged not only to understand artificial intelligence as a technological development but to critically consider how it can shape policy design, implementation and evaluation.
“GPS is a place where ambition meets opportunity. The program challenges you academically, immerses you in real-world policy discussions and connects you with a network of seasoned faculty, peers and alumni.”
Even when conducting regression analysis or debating U.S. national security decision-making, AI is increasingly part of the analytical conversation. This exposure is preparing me to engage with a new frontier in governance — one that society is only beginning to understand — and positions me to contribute thoughtfully and responsibly as these technologies reshape policy and decision-making.
What has your experience been as a graduate student researcher?
Given my previous experience and passion for U.S.-Mexico relations, the role I’m in at the school’s Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies felt like a natural step in my professional journey. It has placed me at the intersection of academic research and high-level policy dialogue, while also allowing me to deepen my understanding of the CaliBaja region and to connect with a diverse group of stakeholders. Since joining the center, I have contributed to several flagship initiatives, including preparations for the annual U.S.-Mexico Forum. Most recently, I participated in the formal launch of the CaliBaja Higher Education Consortium.
What else would you share with prospective students who are deciding whether to apply?
GPS is a place where ambition meets opportunity. The program challenges you academically, immerses you in real-world policy discussions and connects you with a network of seasoned faculty, peers and alumni who have an active role in the conversations that are shaping the world. If you are ready to be challenged, to grow and to make your education count toward meaningful change, you won’t regret applying to GPS.
How has receiving a fellowship impacted your studies at GPS?
Studying in the U.S. has been a lifelong dream, one that would not have been possible without financial support. I received a very generous fellowship, which, as an international student, has been a total gamechanger in my experience at UC San Diego. For me, this fellowship represents much more than funding; it’s a vote of confidence from someone who believes in my potential and my career. That generosity and trust motivate me to pursue my goals, maximize this opportunity and use my education in a positive and meaningful way throughout my life.
Want to make a GPS education possible for a student like Fernando? Give now through April 29 for fellowships as part of Triton Giving Day.
