When Samuel Makikalli decided to attend the University of Minnesota Law School, he wasn’t just looking for a degree—he was searching for a way to combine his passion for addressing climate change with the practical tools needed to make a real-world impact. At Minnesota Law, he found the perfect blend of analytical rigor, hands-on experience, and a supportive community that is empowering him to turn his vision into action.
Before law school, Makikalli’s career path was already impressive. After graduating with a double major in economics and international affairs from Lewis & Clark College, he completed military service in Finland as a dual citizen. He then worked at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, conducting research on opioid treatment access and regional economic trends.
But while Makikalli found his work in research intellectually rewarding, he felt a growing desire to be more directly involved in solving problems.