Meet Dan Cooper, MPC's Director of Research since October 2018 (happy three-year anniversary!). Dan's role at MPC is to coordinate and execute both short-term and long-term research efforts at MPC. This includes everything from working with external partners to answer questions about community and regional issues, working with staff on specific questions related to MPC's program areas, and timely research aimed at calling attention to MPC's policy priorities.
Q&A with Dan
What’s the most rewarding part of your career?
The most rewarding part of my career is getting to work with so many different people and organizations who are fighting for justice in their own way. It would be difficult to work on policy change efforts without being continually inspired by the dedication of others.
Favorite Chicago region activity?
I will cheat and pick two: Morning mountain biking in a Cook County Forest Preserve, followed by a picnic at a Chicago beach.
Coastal, mountains, or great lakes?
Why choose just one? All of the above! But if I had to choose, I'd be hard pressed to give up a perfect summer day along Lake Michigan.