Zander Mintz, a Master of Public Affairs student at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin, has made significant strides in integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the public sector. With a multifaceted background in both social sciences and advanced analytics, Mintz is poised to contribute meaningfully to the evolving landscape of technology policy.
Upon completing his studies at the LBJ School in December of 2024, Mintz plans to continue his impactful work at the global market research firm GLG, where he serves as a manager on their Advanced Analytics and Research Methodology team. In the long term, he aims to transition into the policy realm, focusing on the application of AI in the public sector. Aware of the field’s emerging and dynamic nature, Mintz is open to roles within and adjacent to government entities, aspiring to shape policy development and implementation that leverages AI's transformative potential for societal benefit.
A native of East Windsor, New Jersey, Mintz’s passion lies at the intersection of technology and policy. He particularly emphasizes the responsible deployment of AI in the public sector. He believes in AI’s profound impact on public services, from streamlining administrative processes to enhancing government accountability and efficiency.
“At LBJ, we like to say we are generalists — we know a little about a lot of topics since all policy problems intersect with others in some regard,” stated Mintz. “However, I also think everyone at LBJ has one specific policy area they are very passionate and deeply knowledgeable about. For me, it is technology policy and, specifically, policy related to using artificial intelligence in the public sector.”
However, he is aware of the risks associated with premature or irresponsible AI implementation, including the potential to worsen existing inequalities. His commitment to ensuring AI systems are developed and deployed ethically motivates his ongoing research and professional endeavors.
Currently, Zander is based in Hayama, Japan, interning with the Paris Agreement Article 6 Implementation Partnership Center (A6IP). Established by G7 Ministers in April 2023, A6IP is managed by the Institute for Global Environmental Studies (IGES) Japan, with support from the UNFCCC Secretariat and the World Bank. The center promotes high-integrity carbon markets through capacity-building initiatives, assisting countries and organizations in financing emissions-reducing projects via Article 6 mechanisms.
Expressing gratitude for the support that facilitated this opportunity, Mintz stated, “Thank you to Dr. David Eaton for helping to connect me with LBJ Alumni Dr. Diana Khan for making this internship possible.” He went on to describe his role, saying, “As an intern on this team, I have been involved in various initiatives related to data management and analysis. This includes creating tracking and reporting tools that standardize and analyze data related to A6IP partner countries, and supporting the development of a research report to be disseminated and published at COP29 this fall.”
Mintz says the LBJ School has equipped him with the critical thinking skills and generalist policy knowledge necessary to navigate and contribute to diverse policy areas. This broad-based education has allowed him to quickly grasp the intricacies of carbon markets and their broader implications for climate change, health equity and sustainable development. His ability to connect policy areas and think critically about these intersections has been invaluable in his work with A6IP, enabling him to contribute effectively to global environmental governance.
“Everyone at LBJ inspires me! Everyone I have met during my time at LBJ is passionate about helping to make the world a better place and is extremely driven to do so,” Mintz said. “I have been working very closely with Professor Ji Ma on my research, and I consider him an excellent mentor. When I think of role models and leaders at LBJ, I immediately think about Dr. Peniel Joseph. I have attended many events he’s moderated or organized both at LBJ and outside of LBJ, and he embodies all things a true leader should be.”
His time in Japan has also highlighted the importance of cultural sensitivity in policy work. The rigorous work culture and traditional practices, such as reliance on paper-based communication, have presented challenges and opportunities for Mintz to propose and implement efficiency-enhancing initiatives. His adaptability and understanding of cultural dynamics, honed at the LBJ School, have facilitated his integration into the Japanese work environment and his contributions to the A6IP team.
Mintz's research focuses on applying AI in the public sector, driven by his undergraduate studies in International Relations and Latin American Studies and his professional experience with AI models. His work explores how AI can enhance government responsiveness, public value creation and state-society relations. To address the ethical and practical challenges of AI deployment, Mintz has developed a functional framework that links academic research lenses to practical governance functions.
Mintz exemplifies the forward-thinking, interdisciplinary approach fostered at the LBJ School. His commitment to leveraging AI for the public good, combined with his practical experience and scholarly research, positions him as a leading voice in the intersection of technology and policy. As he continues to navigate and shape this evolving field, his work promises to contribute significantly to AI's responsible and transformative use in public governance.
Learn more about the Master of Public Affairs degree. Applications open September 1.