Nicole L. Ma, she/her

Class of 2026 Nicole_Ma-2 (1)

Nicole Li Ma is a second-year MPP and MTS Ethics Focus dual degree student dismantling the borders of national security, human rights, and migration. Her studies in political theology engage how moral and ethical questions within theological, ecological, political, social, and economic contexts influence policies that must shift to achieve collective thriving. Nicole hopes her education and work will make her a better steward of information and policy creation.

Upon graduating from Baylor University with degrees in psychology and economics and a minor in Spanish, Nicole served immigrant and migrant communities through Woori Juntos in Texas. During her first year at Duke Divinity School, she spent time in Perú and Colombia, learning from and working with individuals impacted by terrorism and other forms of violence. These experiences fueled her commitment to addressing conflict and safeguarding human rights on both micro and macro levels.

Outside of class, you may find this proud Texan entertaining her competitive spirit by training for triathlons, indulging in new recipes to cook, dancing and eating salsa, and adding to an archive of unfinished poetry. Otherwise, she is likely tripping over branches on a new hiking trail and wishing she took a nap instead.

Areas of Policy Interest: