School of Public Policy hosts second annual Policy Simulation Competition

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State School of Public Policy hosted its second annual statewide Policy Simulation Competition on Saturday, Feb. 28, bringing together students from across Pennsylvania to participate in a simulated global health emergency.

The weekend kicked off with welcome events on Friday evening, including a tour of Beaver Stadium and the Penn State All-Sports Museum, and a stop at Berkey Creamery.

While last year’s simulation focused on a refugee crisis, this year's event challenged teams to develop a coordinated response to a simulated pandemic affecting a group of fictional countries, while working with other teams to control the spread of the virus, coordinate vaccine production, and address border and economic issues. Students assumed the roles of prime minister, minister of public health, minister of finance, minister of communications, and World Health Organization (WHO) representative for one of four fictitious countries.

The simulation, developed by DMS Academy, required students to balance competing priorities in real time. Each country faced the same fast-moving pandemic but dealt with distinct economic conditions, demographic pressures, and political constraints, forcing teams to create matching policy responses.

Real-life priorities like containing the spread of disease, managing hospital capacity, maintaining public approval, preserving economic stability, and navigating diplomatic relations with neighboring nations were the focus of each government. Teams communicated across country lines, negotiated contributions to a shared global health fund, and made high-stakes decisions about vaccine development, travel restrictions, lockdowns, and public health mandates.

"The simulation does an excellent job of capturing the impossible trade-offs that real policymakers face," said Jasmin Tanner, a global and international studies major and Next Gen Leadership Academy student who participated in the simulation. "You can't just focus on saving lives. You have to think about your economy, your approval rating, and what your neighbors are doing at the same time."

A panel of three judges evaluated teams in four categories: team collaboration, use of data and information, adaptability, and a final policy brief. This year's judges brought extensive experience in public health, government administration, and community service to the competition.

Susan Trainor, a certified registered nurse practitioner and certified diabetes educator at Mount Nittany Health and chair of the College Township Council, offered a unique perspective on how policy decisions shape community health outcomes. Margaret Gray, former Centre County administrator and current member of the School of Public Policy's Board of Visitors, drew on her extensive background in public administration and community development. Sheilah Borne, vice president for government health relations at Penn State Health and mayor of Paxtang borough in Dauphin County, spoke to her experience navigating health policy at the local, state and federal levels.

Also in attendance was Clarence Lang, Susan Welch Dean of the College of the Liberal Arts, who discussed the importance of career readiness in the liberal arts.

"What struck me most was watching students wrestle with the same impossible trade-offs that real policymakers face every day,” said Susan Trainor. “There's no perfect answer in real life, and they learned that quickly. Events like this help future policymakers understand that connection before they enter the real world."

At the conclusion of the simulation, the judges were joined by Master of Public Policy student Elly Miller, who moderated an engaging panel discussion and Q&A session, drawing on questions submitted by students. Topics ranged from community engagement and the challenges facing local governments today to career paths in public service.

Panelists also reflected on the initiatives they are most proud of and offered candid advice to students considering careers in government and public policy, with each sharing how their own career journey had evolved in unexpected ways.

After a full day of observation, the judges narrowed the field to finalists before selecting the winners. The five-member winning team was Norjannah Hossen (Penn State Harrisburg) as prime minister, Lyndsey Kregel (Millersville University) as minister of public health, Ryan Tucker (Penn State Harrisburg) as minister of finance, Jasmin Tanner (Penn State University Park) as minister of communications, and Daniel Cleek (Penn State University Park) as WHO representative.