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Now, the data science and economics double major and public policy minor has been selected for a two-year predoctoral fellowship at the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research (SIEPR), where she’ll work with economist Neil Mahoney on research that informs public policy.

“I realized I still wanted to be involved in policy,” Hoffman said. “This position combines the legal and policy side with numbers and research.”

The fellowship allows Hoffman to explore academic research before committing to graduate school. She hopes to eventually earn a PhD and return to the Midwest.

“I knew I didn’t want to go to graduate school right away,” she said. “This lets me make sure it’s the right fit.”

Hoffman credits Lake Forest College’s close faculty relationships for helping her reach this opportunity. She worked alongside Associate Professor of Economics Tilahun Emiru on research that was recently published in the Atlantic Economic Journal while completing her senior thesis. Publishing research alongside a faculty member is a remarkable achievement for undergraduate students. 

“My relationship with Professor Emiru was really important,” she said. “I was able to speak about our research during my interviews.”

Outside the classroom, Hoffman served as captain of the Forester women’s soccer team and worked as a supplemental instructor in math and economics.

“I’ve always been pretty shy,” she said. “Being a leader helped me become more confident.”

Looking back, Hoffman says trying different opportunities—even those that weren’-t the right fit—ultimately led her to the career she wants to pursue.