News
2024 Commencement Speaker, Jacob Garcia (MPA '19)
Jacob Garcia (MPA ’19), a federal employee serving the United States Government, will deliver this year’s address at the 2024 Commencement Ceremony for the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) at the University of Pittsburgh.
First group of Policy and Social Impact Fellows end year with presentation of community-engaged projects
Meet four of the Pitt undergrads involved in the first class of Policy and Social Impact Fellows Program. A final presentation of their community-based projects will be held in Posvar Hall's Global Hub on April 19th from 9-11 am.
U.S. News & World Report Rankings for Best Public Affairs Programs show Pitt on the move
The Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) at the University of Pittsburgh has moved up in the 2024 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Public Affairs Graduate Schools rankings.
Associate Dean part of new Center addressing cybersecurity and the energy sector
The University of Pittsburgh's Cyber Energy Center will work to improve cybersecurity of the region's energy system thanks to funding from the DOE.
Weaponization of Space working group briefs policymakers at the Pentagon
Five members from the Ridgway Center's Weaponization of Space working group presented their research and policy recommendations to officials at the Pentagon.
Pitt center helps launch University Network for Afghan Women
A Pitt research center, under the direction of Professor Jennifer Brick Murtazashvili, focuses on women's education and empowerment in Afghanistan with participation in a new network.
CNBC: ‘Cyber-Physical Attacks’ Fueled by AI Are a Growing Threat, Experts Say
Professor Michael Kenney, Director of the Matthew B. Ridgway Center for International Security, among experts leading conversations about the rise in artificial intelligence and issues of cybersecurity.
New faculty spotlight: So Jin Lee
Dr. So Jin Lee will join the Pitt community this fall as an Assistant Professor of International Affairs with a focus on international security. Her research focuses on questions related to economic statecraft, nuclear weapons, and interstate conflict with a regional focus on East Asia.
Career Development series Careers & Coffee: Dan Law
Alumnus Dan Law (MPIA '12), Associate Director of the Andy Warhol Museum, returns to campus to speak with students as part of Careers & Coffee series.
Public Administration student wins ‘Hacking4Humanity’ competition with presentation focused on protecting youth online
For the second year in a row, MPA student Myles Cramer has won the policy track of Duquesne University’s annual Hacking4Humanity hackathon.
Current student & recent graduates named as Presidential Management Fellowship finalists
Four members of the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs community have been chosen as Presidential Management Fellowship (PMF) finalists.
Graduate School of Public and International Affairs looks forward to 2024 Pitt Day of Giving
Pitt Day of Giving returns on February 27th, and the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs is looking forward to celebrating once again with the larger university community.
Hesselbein Lecture Series welcomes Army veteran and award-winning author to campus
Army veteran, author, and leadership speaker Shannon Huffman Polson visited campus this week as the latest presenter in the Hesselbein Lecture Series.
First group of Public and International Affairs undergrads end semester with presentation to PA Department of Environmental Protection
The undergraduate students in Professor Jeremy Weber’s class "Skills for Policy Research and Analysis" put their coursework into practice with a presentation to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection in December.
Annual Power 100 list recognizes four alumni
Four Public and International Affairs alumni were recognized on Pittsburgh Business Times Power 100 list: Brandon Mendoza (MPA '11), Susheela Nemani-Stanger (MPA '07), David K. Roger (MPIA '93), and Bobbi Watt Geer (PhD '09).
Associate Dean chosen to participate in the 2024 ACC Academic Leaders Network program
Dr. Erica Owen, associate dean of the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, is among five faculty members selected to represent the University of Pittsburgh in the 2024 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Academic Leaders Network program.
Twelve alumni selected for leadership roles on Allegheny County Executive transition team
Twelve alumni have been recognized as experts in their respective fields with nominations to the transition team for Allegheny County Executive-Elect Sara Innamorato.
Associate Professor leading an interdisciplinary approach to social impact
Associate Professor Sera Linardi will be leading an organization focused on using interdisciplinary research to improve equity and access to opportunity in historically under-served communities.
Events co-led by Professor encourage understanding and compassion amid conflict
As the Israel-Hamas war nears its two-month mark, an upswing in anger, protests, and divisive rhetoric has been evident in cities and on college campuses across the United States. Here at Pitt, two professors with religious and cultural backgrounds on opposite sides of the conflict are looking to fight against this division with events designed to foster a culture of understanding and compassion among students and faculty.
Remembering and honoring the legacy of LaVonne Johnson, MPA '80
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of LaVonne Johnson, an alumna (MPA ‘80), benefactor, and friend of the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA). LaVonne demonstrated a passion for public service throughout her life, and she credited her GSPIA education for preparing her and empowering her with a sense of purpose and mission. She also believed that young people could make a difference in tackling the world’s greatest challenges and wanted to use her philanthropy to help prepare them to do so. In the late 1990s, LaVonne and her husband…
Ford Institute marks anniversary with launch of new research program on online violence against women in politics
The Ford Institute for Human Security at the University of Pittsburgh recently celebrated its 20thanniversary with an event launching its new research program, “Online Violence Against Women in Politics.” The kickoff event, held on campus last month, featured a keynote speaker and panel discussion.
Grads host Government Accountability Office (GAO) information session for current students
It’s always a great day when we welcome our alumni back to Posvar Hall. Josh Timko (MPIA ’21), Mairé Gebhard (MPIA ’22), Mario Tiberie (MPIA ’22), and Matt Whalen (MID ’20) work as analysts at the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and returned to campus to host an information session about the agency.
In memoriam: Seth Hufford
We're saddened to share the news of the passing of Seth Hufford, an alumnus, dedicated volunteer and inspiring nonprofit leader. His obituary, included below and originally shared by the Pittsburgh Post Gazette on November 18th, highlights his incredible impact and life. He will be greatly missed and our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues and former classmates.
Obituary: Seth Hufford helped guide corporate and nonprofit leaders
Aug. 31, 1974 — Nov. 4, 2023
Alumni Feature: A lifelong Pitt friendship forged on and off the field
When Austin Ransom (MPA '09) came to the University of Pittsburgh in 2004, he thought his football days were behind him. Despite a strong high school career in western New York, Ransom had no plans to play for the Panthers when he arrived in Oakland. But it didn’t take long for him to feel like something was missing.
Current Public Policy & Management student selected for the Medicaid Pathways Program
Jill Stemple, a second year Master of Public Policy and Management (MPPM) student at the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, was one of 20 rising agency leaders selected for the Center for Health Care Strategies’ (CHCS) Medicaid Pathways Program that begins this fall.
Researchers from the Center for Governance and Markets awarded Elinor Ostrom Prize
A group of researchers from the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Governance and Markets has been awarded the prestigious Elinor Ostrom Prize for their article, “Community policing on American Indian reservations: a preliminary investigation.” Adam Crepelle, Tate Fegley, Ilia Murtazashvili, and Jennifer Brick Murtazashvili received the
Meet the alumni on this year’s 40 Under 40 list by PUMP and Pittsburgh Magazine
Pittsburgh Magazine and PUMP are celebrating the 25th anniversary of their 40 Under 40 awards with an inspiring class of changemakers hard at work in the region. Among the list are two GSPIA alumni, Sabrina Yow-Chyi Liu and Dan Law.
New faculty spotlight: Kimberly Turner
Kimberly Turner is an Assistant Professor of International Affairs. Her research focuses on the causes and outcomes of mass movements. Her methodological work develops new measures of non-violent resistance efficacy, while her substantive work analyzes the linkages between skilled labor’s employment and wage grievance to the onset and outcomes of contentious politics within au
Forthcoming book from Professor Jeremy Weber offers guide on using statistics in policy work
It's set for a January release, and we can't wait to read it. GSPIA Professor Jeremy Weber's new book, published by University Chicago Press, will be available in early 2024.
Center Associate joins Ridgway Center for International Security Studies
A new expert in international security has joined our team. The Ridgway Center for International Security Studies at GSPIA recently welcomed Abigail Post as a Center Associate.
Current student appointed to Governor's advisory commission
Current GSPIA student Ryan Yeager was just sworn in as Chair of Governor Shapiro’s inaugural Advisory Commission for Next Generation Engagement. Ryan is second year student public administration student concentrating on social policy.
Associate Professor co-hosts webinar discussing lead pipe exports and environmental justice implications
Dr. Marcela González Rivas, an associate professor at GSPIA and leader of the research working group Closing the Water Gap, led a recent webinar focused on discussing the environmental impact of the export of lead water pipes.
Research from Center for Governance and Markets shortlisted for Elinor Ostrom Prize
Professor Jennifer Brick Murtazashvili and Associate Professor Ilia Murtazashvili are shortlisted for the Elinor Ostrom Prize for co-authoring new research paper.
Meet the alumni on City & State’s AAPI Power 100 list
Three GSPIA alumni were recognized this month on City & State’s Power of Diversity: AAPI 100 list: Itha Cao (MID ’15), Marian Lien (MPPM '14), and Kannu Sahni (MPPM ’13).
GSPIA Celebrates the Class of 2023 at Commencement Ceremony
On Thursday, April 27, GSPIA graduates, faculty, staff, friends and family gathered in Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall to celebrate the Commencement of the Class of 2023.
5 tips for landing your federal dream job in DC
During the DC Career Trip, Topher Hoffmann (MPA '16), a Senior Analyst at the US Government Accountability Office, shared tips for GSPIA students looking to start their federal careers.
Students reflect on international research trip on post-COVID culture regeneration
Over Spring break, eight GSPIA students engaged in international field research in Newcastle, UK, as part of the course Urban Cultural Regeneration After Crisis: International Comparative Research.
Associate Professor appointed as Co-Director of Collaboratory Against Hate
Pitt’s Office of the Provost announced that GSPIA Associate Professor Lisa Nelson has been selected as co-director for the Collaboratory Against Hate (CAH).
A team of GSPIA students are finalists in Pitt’s Big Idea Competition
Yuliana “Nike" Ndaumanu (MPIA ‘24), Jingyan Cheng (MPA ‘23), and Simiao "May" Wang (MPA ‘24) are in competition with 16 other teams from schools across Pitt.
FBI and Ridgway Center conclude another year of successful partnership
The FBI-Ridgway working group made their final presentation of the year to the Pittsburgh Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Student working group participates in UN Water Conference
Several students from the Ford Institute working group Closing the Water Gap participated in the 2023 UN Water Conference in New York City, “a once-in-a-generation opportunity to unite the world around solving the water and sanitation crisis."
Meet the alumni on this year's Business Times '30 Under 30' list
GSPIA graduates Jarah Doosé (MPA ‘22) and Kaitlyn Hendrickson (MPA ‘19) were recognized as young business and community leaders in the Pittsburgh region who are already making an impact.
Müge Kökten Finkel voted best grad professor across Pitt schools
Students across all Pitt schools voted GSPIA Assistant Professor Müge Kökten Finkel as the best grad professor in The Pitt News’ “Best Of” survey.
Alumnus CEO of refugee soccer nonprofit featured on CBS
“We use soccer because it’s such a cultural force across the globe. It creates a sense of belonging,” said Forzano in his recent interview with KDKA’s Briana Smith.
Announcing 2023 Commencement Speaker, Sundaa Bridgett-Jones
The Vice President for the Americas and Chief Partnerships Officer at The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) will deliver this year's address at GSPIA's Commencement ceremony.
Alumni-In-Residence: Pittsburgh's Chief Financial Officer
Patrick Cornell (MPA '15), the current Chief Financial Officer for the City of Pittsburgh, will serve as GSPIA's next Alumni-in-Residence visitor and connect one-on-one with current students.
Assistant Professor speaks on the Nord Stream bombing plot
The Intercept featured Assistant Professor Melinda Haas in an article on the conflicting reports surrounding the Nord Stream pipeline bombing plot.
Faculty member appointed to President Biden’s Intelligence Advisory Board
President Biden announced the appointment of Julia Santucci, GSPIA Senior Lecturer in Intelligence Studies, to the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board.
Professor wins Chancellor’s Distinguished Service Award
Associate Professor Sera Linardi was recognized for her compelling vision and leadership in community-university engagement as a recipient of the 2023 University of Pittsburgh Chancellor's Distinguished Service Award.
Capstone class publishes policy report with Government Accountability Office
Associate Professor Jeremy Weber’s Capstone Seminar class worked on a policy analysis request from the federal Government Accountability Office. Their final report just went public.
Alum editorial: Finding the vaccine for racism
"When we tacitly allow the ongoing marginalization of any racial group, we are maintaining a society that is less just, less equitable and less healthy for everyone," writes alumnus Ron Idoko for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
'My mother tongue weighs heavy’; Faculty member mourns after Turkey earthquakes
In her personal essay published by Public Source, Dr. Müge Kökten Finkel reflects on the destruction and loss of human life in her home country.
Global-shaping student calls for “bold collective action” at Davos
Carla Gómez Briones (MID ‘23) presented her ideas for building a sustainable future on at the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting. “The future we need is a radical departure from the present,” she said.
New alum begins federal career in national security
Isaac Dietrich (MPIA ‘22) began his fellowship with the National Security Division of the USDA’s Office of Homeland Security.
New faculty spotlight: Andrea Peña-Vasquez
Dr. Andrea Peña-Vasquez is GSPIA’s newest incoming Assistant Professor. Her research focuses broadly on topics of migration and citizenship in Western Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa, especially the intersection between race, legal status, and governance.
Alumna "claps out” after impactful appointment under Biden Administration
GSPIA alumna Allison (Varricchio) Iannarino (MID ‘15) just ended her 18-month appointment as Director for Afghanistan on the National Security Council at the White House.
This year’s Pittsburgh Power 100 features several GSPIA alumni
Seven GSPIA graduates were recognized for strengthening the City of Pittsburgh in politics, business, and nonprofits.
Virtual Alumni Panel: The Future of DEI in the Workplace
We kicked off our first GSPIA alumni panel of 2023 with the virtual event, The Future of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace. The group discussed the development & evolution of DEl initiatives in their workplace and community.
TIME: GSPIA student brings sustainability solutions to World Economic Forum at Davos 2023
Carla Gómez Briones (MID '23) is leading conversations about clean energy on global stages. As a Global Shaper, she'll be presenting her ideas for a sustainable future at the annual forum in Davos, Switzerland.
U.S. Army Japan base dedicated to alumnus Roscoe Robinson Jr., first African American four-star general
Col. Geoffrey Heiple (MPPM ‘11), Director of U.S. Army Japan Reserve Affairs, observed the dedication of Quarters 1000—the home of the Commanding General for the U.S. Army Japan—as The General Roscoe Robinson Jr Quarters.
Distinguished Alumna and Pitt Legacy Laureate, Frances Hesselbein, Passes Away
The University of Pittsburgh, together with The Frances Hesselbein Leadership Forum and its Boards of Advisors, staff, and supporters, mourn the peaceful passing of Frances Hesselbein on December 11, 2022.
General David D. Thompson addresses Pittsburgh's future as Space Force hub
In his campus talk on the Geopolitics of Space, Four Star General David D. Thompson, U.S. Space Force Vice Chief of Space Operations, inspired students before the launch of the new AFWERX Hub on Pittsburgh's North Side.
First-year student wins fellowship to craft policy fighting homelessness
First-year MPIA student Madee Bredice was named an Ambassador for Civic Engagement (ACE) Fellow with the Institute of Politics at Pitt, where she will help create policy with the Homeless Children’s Education Fund (HCEF).
Dean receives Margarita McCoy award for uplifting women in planning
At the 2022 Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning Conference, Dean Carissa Slotterback received the Margarita McCoy Award for her contributions to advancing women in planning at institutions in higher education through service, teaching, and research.
LISTEN: 3 lessons from Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch for a career in foreign service
Listen to the entire conversation with three-time U.S. Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch (ret.) where she reflects on the arc of her fascinating life and courageous career in foreign policy and diplomacy. Or, check out our highlights for a quick dose of Yovanovitch’s hard-won wisdom.
Professor wins XPRIZE Racial Equity Alliance Ideas Competition
Associate Professor Sera Linardi and her colleagues worked together on a winning idea for the XPRIZE Racial Equity Alliance Ideas Competition that connected students in social justice with students in data science to support racial justice.
Dean Slotterback named Chair of national Deans Summit
Dean Carissa Slotterback was selected to serve as Chair of the annual Deans Summit for deans and directors of the nation’s schools of public service to propel innovation and shed competitive posture in favor of collective action.
Professor named IHS Distinguished Fellow for work in Peace and International Cooperation
Professor Jennifer Brick Murtazashvili was named a 2022-23 Distinguished Fellow at the Institute for Humane Studies (IHS) for the Study of Liberalism and a Free Society, recognizing her work in Peace and International Order.
GSPIA celebrates Homecoming 2022 with alumni reception
On Friday, October 7, GSPIA alumni returned to their Oakland alma mater to reminisce, share their achievements, and connect with fellow graduates, students, faculty and staff.
RECAP: Federal careers alumni panel
GSPIA alums Maria Soledad Calvino, Kiersten Edwards, and Jacob Garcia shared their insights on working in the federal government and offered advice to students seeking careers in Washington, D.C.
GSPIA welcomes new Director of Recruitment and Admissions, Danae Williams
In her role as Director, Williams will develop and implement the school's recruitment, admissions, and financial aid strategies. She joins GSPIA after serving 7 years at the University of Pittsburgh in various admissions roles.
Professor Shanti Gamper-Rabindran on visions of Pittsburgh's hydrogen future
The Pittsburgh Business Times featured Dr. Shanti Gamper-Rabindran and her panel on zero-carbon resources in an article highlighting the 2022 Global Clean Energy Action Forum.
Center for Governance and Markets wins $2.4 million grant to study social divisions
A research team led by GSPIA's Center for Governance and Markets (CGM) will use a new three-year, $2.4 million grant from the John Templeton Foundation to examine the ways societies can manage — and overcome — polarization and social divisions.
GSPIA student and professor to present at Global Clean Energy Action Forum
On Thursday, September 22, Dr. Shanti Gamper-Rabindran and MID student Carla Gomez Briones will be speaking at the first U.S. Global Clean Energy Action Forum (GCEAF) to discuss the most pressing challenges toward a global green transition.
Professor Op-Ed: Shanti Gamper-Rabindran on blue hydrogen and carbon capture
Dr. Shanti Gamper-Rabindran writes for The Hill: Should taxpayers gamble on blue hydrogen and carbon capture?
GSPIA faculty promotions: 3 Professors, 1 Associate Professor
Dr. Shanti Gamper-Rabindran, Dr. Jennifer Murtazashvili, and Dr. Paul Nelson have been promoted from Associate Professor to Professor. Dr. Marcela Gonzáles Rivas has been promoted from Assistant to Associate Professor.
PMF Program selects three GSPIA graduates for prestigious federal fellowships
Recent GSPIA alumni Karla Bonilla, Ethan Trott, and Jacob Curry have officially begun their fellowships with the Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Class of 2022, a launchpad into a career in the federal sector.
Upcoming Event: A Conversation with Marie Yovanovitch, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine
On October 13, GSPIA will host former Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch (ret.) for a discussion of her 33-year career in the U.S. Foreign Service, most recently in Kyiv as the U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine.
New faculty spotlight: Huafang Li
Dr. Huafang Li is an Assistant Professor of Public and Nonprofit Management. His research examines government and nonprofit communication and its influence on individual coproduction and donation decisions.
New faculty spotlight: Brooke Shannon
Dr. Brooke Shannon is an Assistant Professor of Public Policy Analysis and Evaluation. Her research focuses on American urban politics, local institutions, policy agendas, and political development.
Internship highlight: Student aspires to run races and nonprofits
MPA student Nick Wolk found his perfect summer internship with the Pittsburgh Track Club, which combined his love for running with nonprofit management.
New faculty spotlight: Siyao Li
Dr. Siyao Li is an incoming Assistant Professor of International Affairs with a focus on international political economy. Her research focuses on the politics of foreign direct investment and trade, and business-government relations.
Internship highlight: Student provides aid to rural “hidden peoples” in Kenya and Uganda
MID student Kory Winning's internship in Kenya and Uganda provided him a new lens to see the nature of international aid.
Dr. Müge Finkel appointed Director of the Ford Institute for Human Security
After serving as the Interim Director during 2021-22, Dr. Müge Kökten Finkel was named the Director of the Ford Institute for Human Security for a three-year term.
New faculty spotlight: Rashad Williams
Dr. Rashad Williams is an incoming Assistant Professor of Race & Social Justice in Public Policy. His research crosses the boundaries of urban planning, urban politics, and the critical philosophy of race to study the urban expressions of the Black reparations movement.
Professor Linardi’s Grief to Action Proposal advances to Phase 4 of Pitt Seed Competition
Linardi's project, Building Data Science for Social Justice (DS4SJ) Ecosystems: Sustaining Impact, has been selected as one of ten semifinalists to receive an award of up to $75,000 to continue developing their proposals.
Professor Marcela González Rivas on the War Over Public Water
Professor Marcela González Rivas speaks with the Nation about water privatization in Pennsylvania. “Climate change is putting costly pressures on the ability to operate and provide clean, safe, affordable water. Who’s going to pay for it?”
Inaugural Faculty Research Grant Program funds three faculty projects
These faculty research projects contribute to key priorities of increasing international research and collaborations, and funding pilot research and proposal developments.
Professor Jennifer Murtazashvili nominated for World’s Top Thinker
UK-based Prospect Magazine released their annual list of the world’s top 100 thinkers, including Elon Musk, Kendrick Lamar, and GSPIA Professor Jen Murtazashvili.
Griffin-ELs' bookstore startup inspires young readers to dream
Alumni Drs. Eliada and Nosakhere Griffin-EL went looking for children’s books with Black protagonists for their two young sons. But when their local bookstores let them down, they started their own.
Alum Lucia Dammert helps Chile usher in a new era
Lucia Dammert (GSPIA ’97) is at the center of Chile's rebirth as the chief of advisors to President Gabriel Boric. “Everything is possible with this young, bright team,” Dammert says.
Shanti Gamper-Rabindran's new book on the climate crisis urges action, not doomism
Like a detective novel or exposé, America's Energy Gamble dissects the dire missteps of the America First Energy Plan and asks: Where can we go from here?
GSPIA wins APSIA Inclusion Award for Out of Afghanistan Project
APSIA awarded CGM's Out of Afghanistan Project, which welcomed threatened Afghan scholars to the University of Pittsburgh and supported newly resettled refugees in the state.
Foreign Affairs features Professor Jennifer Murtazashvili on the war in Ukraine
In a piece published by Foreign Affairs, Professor Jennifer Brick Murtazashvili explains the paradox of how Ukraine strengthened its state by decentralizing power.
MID student leads program tackling local government issues
Lauren Lowen (MID '23) will be leading Local Government Academy’s 2022 Municipal Intern Program (MIP) as the Project Coordinator.
Professor Phil Williams retires after esteemed career in international security
Dr. Williams celebrated his retirement virtually with his colleagues, friends, and former students, who reflected on his many contributions to GSPIA.
Alum Betty Cruz talks running the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh
Current Board of Visitors member Betty Cruz (MPA ‘11) talked to the Pittsburgh Business Times about her role as the CEO of the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh.
Professor Kevin Kearns celebrates retirement after impactful 35 years at GSPIA
Over 150 former students, colleagues, friends, and family joined together over Zoom to thank Professor Kevin Kearns for the difference he made in their lives.
Alum Carey Harris wins Woman of Influence Award
On May 25, GSPIA alum Carey Harris (MPIA '95) was honored with a 2022 Women of Influence Award by the Pittsburgh Business Times for her work as the CEO of Literacy Pittsburgh.