News

Dr. Jeremy Weber's new book cover photo
September 8, 2023

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.

Photo of Abby Post
August 30, 2023

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. 

Ryan Yeager pictured with Executive Director Ruby Mundok
August 16, 2023

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.

Photo of Dr. Marcela González Rivas
July 26, 2023

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. 

"Headshots of Jennifer Brick Murtazashvili and Ilia Murtazashvili"
May 31, 2023

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.
headshots of Itha Cao, Kannu Sahni and Marian Lien
May 30, 2023

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).
3 smiling people wearing graduation regalia stand together in front of the Cathedral of Learning.
May 10, 2023

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.
Topher Hoffmann addresses GSPIA students in a classroom
May 1, 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.
Group of students pose for a photo at the airport
April 24, 2023

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.
Lisa Nelson headshot
April 18, 2023

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).
Simiao "May" Wang (MPA ‘24), Yuliana “Nike" Ndaumanu (MPIA ‘24), and Jingyan Cheng (MPA ‘23)
April 12, 2023

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-Ridgway working group holds their diplomas
April 11, 2023

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.
Closing the Water Gap members at the UN Water Conference
April 3, 2023

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."
"Headshot of Jarah Doosé and Kaitlyn Hendrickson with logo '30 Under 30 - Pittsburgh Business Times"
March 27, 2023

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.
Muge Finkel headshot
March 23, 2023

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.
Justin Forzano headshot with CBS logo
March 21, 2023

Alumni 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. 
Sundaa Bridgett-Jones headshot
March 16, 2023

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.
Patrick Cornell headshot
March 15, 2023

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.
Mindy Haas headshot with The Intercept logo
March 13, 2023

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.
Julia Santucci headshot
March 6, 2023

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.
Sera Linardi headshot
March 2, 2023

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.  
Posvar building reflection
February 28, 2023

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.
Ron Idoko holding mic
February 27, 2023

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.
Muge Finkel headshot
February 15, 2023

'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.
Carla Gomez Briones
February 10, 2023

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.
Isaac Dietrich headshot
February 6, 2023

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.
Andrea Peña-Vasquez headshot
February 3, 2023

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.
Allison Iannarino celebrates clap out
February 2, 2023

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.
Graphic: City & State Pennsylvania logo
January 31, 2023

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.
Pitt student on laptop
January 24, 2023

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. 
Carla Gómez Briones headshot, the TIME logo underneath
January 13, 2023

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.
"Major General Joel “JB” Vowell, Commander of U.S. Army Japan (left) and Colonel Geoffrey Heiple, Director of Army Reserve Affairs (right), at the dedication of Quarters 1000 as The General Roscoe Robinson Jr Quarters in Japan. The two men stand outside Quarters 1000 in army uniforms around a placard with information about Roscoe Robinson."
January 3, 2023

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.
Photo of Frances Hesselbein in cap and gown.
December 11, 2022

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.
Prof Michael Kenney moderates Q&A with General Thompson on stage; backs of audience heads
December 5, 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.
Headshot of Madee Bredice
November 18, 2022

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).
"Carissa Slotterback smiles, holding a glass award plaque. She sits in an office in front of a full bookshelf."
November 10, 2022

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.
Marie Yovanovitch and Carissa Slotterback sit opposite each other on a stage, talking.
November 9, 2022

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 Sera Linardi holds a marker in front of a whiteboard full of graphs and equations"
November 4, 2022

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. 
Headshot of Dean Carissa Slotterback
October 26, 2022

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. 
Jen Murtazashvili
October 11, 2022

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 reception at Cafe Carnegie
October 11, 2022

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.  
Washington DC city landscape
October 6, 2022

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.
Danae Williams headshot
October 5, 2022

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.
Shanti Gamper-Rabindran speaks at GCEAF
September 23, 2022

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.
Pittsburgh bridge
September 22, 2022

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.
GCEAF logo
September 21, 2022

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.
Shanti Gamper-Rabindran
September 20, 2022

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?
Pitt flag with shield
September 16, 2022

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.  
GSPIA PMF Class of 2022
September 14, 2022

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.
Marie Yovanovitch
September 13, 2022

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.
Dr Huafang Li
September 9, 2022

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.
Dr. Brooke Shannon headshot
September 2, 2022

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. 
Nick Wolk crosses race finish line
August 31, 2022

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.
Siyao Li
August 26, 2022

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.
Kory Winning in rural East Africa
August 24, 2022

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. Muge Finkel
August 24, 2022

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. 
Professor Rashad Williams headshot
August 19, 2022

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.
Prof Sera Linardi
August 10, 2022

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.
Prof Marcelas Gonzales Rivas
August 8, 2022

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?”
Pitt shield logo flags
August 5, 2022

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.   
Dr. Jennifer Murtazashvili
July 21, 2022

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. 
Dr. Eliada Griffin-EL
July 15, 2022

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.
Lucia Dammert
July 13, 2022

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.
America's Energy Gamble by Shanti Gamper-Rabindran
July 8, 2022

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? 
Inclusion Award laurel
June 29, 2022

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.
Volunteering in Ukraine
June 28, 2022

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.
Lauren Lowen
June 14, 2022

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.
Dr. Phil Williams
June 14, 2022

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.
Betty Cruz, president and CEO of the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh; Credit: Jim Harris, PBT*
June 8, 2022

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
June 2, 2022

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.
"Carey Harris headshot"
May 27, 2022

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.
William N. Dunn
May 17, 2022

Remembering Professor William N. Dunn

In 1969, Dunn joined the GSPIA faculty where he spent the next 50 years teaching and conducting research as an interdisciplinary, globally respected scholar.
Mayor Gainey with CONNECT staff
May 16, 2022

City of Pittsburgh declares May 16th CONNECT Day

As jointly proclaimed by the City of Pittsburgh Council and Office of the Mayor, May 16 is officially CONNECT Day. 
Students are seated around a conference table with a GSPIA alumni working in DC.
May 10, 2022

Students connect with GSPIA alumni at DC Career Week

GSPIA students and recent graduates traveled to Washington, DC, for a week packed full of exclusive site visits, networking events, and chats with alumni living and working in the city. 
GSPIA Graduating Class of 2022
May 2, 2022

GSPIA Celebrates the Class of 2022 at Commencement

On Thursday, April 28, GSPIA graduates, faculty, staff, friends and family gathered in Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall to celebrate the Class of 2022.
Sloane Davidson
April 25, 2022

Announcing the 2022 commencement speaker, Sloane Davidson

Founder and CEO of Hello Neighbor Sloane Davidson (MPPM '17) will deliver this year’s address at GSPIA's 2022 Graduation Ceremony. 
When Fracking Comes to Town Book Cover
April 21, 2022

New faculty book chronicles small-town resilience to fracking

When professors Sabina Deitrick and Ilia Murtazashvili convened colleagues to discuss fracking from the perspective of local government, the resulting conversations were so great that they wrote a book. 
Dr. Carissa Slotterback and Rashad Williams hold their awards
April 15, 2022

GSPIA faculty members awarded for top-notch urban affairs research

At the 50th annual Urban Affairs Association Conference in Washington, DC, GSPIA's Dean Slotterback, Associate Professor Sabina Deitrick, and incoming faculty member Rashad Williams, were recognized and awarded for their scholarship.
Dr. Sera Linardi at Scopeathon
April 13, 2022

Students and nonprofits collaborate in workshops for social good

GSPIA students, professors, and alumni nonprofit leaders brought their expertise to the first-ever Scopeathon for Social Good, a two-day event that gave students hands-on experience scoping a data science project with real-world social impact. 
Ukraine flag
April 8, 2022

WATCH: GSPIA faculty talk human security in Ukraine

GSPIA experts discussed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has created a humanitarian crisis where approximately 10 million people have been displaced.
Dr. Marcela González Rivas
March 24, 2022

Research urges state regulations for equitable water access

In her latest research, Dr. Marcela González Rivas found that private water ownership increases water prices, making a vital resource less accessible to low-income families.
panel
March 2, 2022

RECAP: So you want to start your own business?

Three self-starter GSPIA alums returned to campus to answer questions and inspire current students with entrepreneurial ambitions.
Gift of Belief book cover and Kathleen Buechel.
December 16, 2021

Philanthropy and the Shaping of Life in Pittsburgh

In nearly every neighborhood in Pittsburgh, evidence of philanthropy abounds. A short walk through historic Oakland reveals a library, museum, concert, and lecture hall, donated by Andrew Carnegie. These institutions are built on land once owned by Mary Schenley, whose gift formed one of the first public parks in the city. On either side of that park stand the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University, true testimonials of philanthropists' belief in the value of self- improvement and applied knowledge.

Stylized world map
December 16, 2021

Lack of Women in Public Administration Leadership Threatens COVID-19 Recovery

A new report by UNDP and researchers at the University of Pittsburgh finds women’s leadership is being undercut by glass ceilings and glass walls.
December 16, 2021

GSPIA welcomes new faculty member

The University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs is pleased to welcome Dr. Melinda Haas as an assistant professor in international affairs.  

Drs. Jen and Ilia Murtazashvili
December 16, 2021

Drs. Jen and Ilia Murtazashvili publish a new book exploring property institutions and political order in Afghanistan

Dr. Jennifer Brick Murtazashvili and Dr. Ilia Murtazashvili have recently published Land, the State, and War: Property Institutions and Political Order in Afghanistan with Cambridge University Press, a work that makes a pioneering contribution to one of the most enduring questions in the social sciences — what are the causes of the wealth of nations?

Portrait of Dr. Erica Owen
December 16, 2021

Dr. Erica Owen named associate dean of GSPIA

Dr. Erica Owen has been named the new associate dean of the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs.  

Owen, a specialist in international political economy, began her new appointment July 1. She has been a faculty member at GSPIA since 2018. In her new position, she will serve as chief academic officer of the School, fostering the development of faculty and research, while working to implement the diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy and initiatives related to curriculum. 

Students doing field work
December 16, 2021

GSPIA Students Aid the State Department of Environmental Protection

Students at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) recently assisted the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection with research on the economics and policy challenges of closing aging oil and gas wells in the state.

Dennis M. Gormley with two others
December 16, 2021

Dennis M. Gormley Endowed Student Resource Fund at GSPIA

A new endowed student resource fund for graduate students studying international affairs has been created to honor a beloved former professor and expert in the international security community.

The Dennis M. Gormley Endowed Student Resource Fund was created in June 2021 by his wife Sonia Gormley. It celebrates the life and legacy of Dennis Gormley, a prominent figure in the defense intelligence community for nearly 50 years, a beloved professor and mentor for countless students and security analysts.

Protrait of Kevin Kearns
December 16, 2021

Dr. Kearns receives prestigious NASPAA teaching excellence award

Dr. Kevin Kearns has received the Leslie A. Whittington Excellence in Teaching Award from the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). This highly prestigious national award recognizes a faculty member in a NASPAA member school for excellence in teaching public policy, public affairs, or public administration over an extended time period, demonstrating outstanding contributions and sustained excellence through course content, course preparation, quality of advising impact, teaching innovation, mentoring, and receipt of teaching awards.  

Portrait of Shanti Gamper-Rabindran
December 16, 2021

Associate Professor Shanti Gamper-Rabindran Publishes Op-Ed in Pittsburgh Post Gazette

Associate Professor Shanti Gamper-Rabindran was recently published in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette.

Portrait of Siyao Li
December 16, 2021

Siyao Li, Assistant Professor of International Affairs Joining GSPIA Fall 2022

Siyao Li will be joining GSPIA as an Assistant Professor of International Affairs with a focus on international political economy in the fall of 2022. Siyao Li is a Ph.D. candidate in Political Science at University of Pennsylvania where she studies International Political Economy. For the 2020-2021 academic year, she was a GPEP predoctoral fellow at Georgetown University's Mortara Center for International Studies. Her research interests include the politics of international investment and trade, firm-government relations, and Chinese politics.

Eric Macadangdang
December 16, 2021

Eric Macadangdang MPA '23 Writes Letter to the Editor: We must work together to fight climate change

Current GSPIA student Eric Macadangdang, MPA '23, wrote a recent Letter to the Editor published in Pitt's University Times. In his letter, he urges us to work together to fight the devastating effects of climate change. How? By taking the Regional Climate Action Plan survey.

Portrait of Jeremy Weber
December 16, 2021

Associate Professor Jeremy Weber Receives Alumni Award from Juniata College

Congratulations to Associate Professor Jeremy Weber on receiving the Young Alumni Achievement Award from Juniata College. The award honors those who have distinguished themselves in their chosen profession during the first 15 years since graduation. After completing his bachelor’s degree in international political economy summa cum laude at Juniata, he earned a PhD in agricultural and applied economics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2010. In his current role at GSPIA, he teaches courses in quantitative methods and energy and environmental policy.

December 16, 2021

CONNECT Moves on Recommendations from GSPIA Capstone

The Congress of Neighboring Communities (CONNECT) and the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) at the University of Pittsburgh came together last fall to make regional recommendations through the CONNECT Capstone class. Each fall semester, CONNECT members decide on policy or project areas that are high priority and work to partner with students on further research.

Best Grad Schools bage from U.S. News & World Report
December 16, 2021

GSPIA Receives High Rankings from U.S. News & World Report

The University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs has again been ranked as one of the top public affairs graduate programs in the country in the U.S. News and World Report’s newest rankings.   

This year GSPIA’s rank held strong at No. 38, placing it in the top 15 percent of public affairs schools across the country. GSPIA has retained its strong position in the top 15% of public affairs schools. Among public institutions, GSPIA ranks in the top 25.

September 7, 2021

GSPIA Professors release new book Land, The State, and War

Your book Land, the State, and War will be publishing shortly, and I am taking this opportunity to tell you more about how we will be marketing your

May 14, 2021

GSPIA Professor Publishes the First Systematic Study of the Political Voice of Faith-Based International Humanitarian Groups

How do U.S. faith-based NGOs (FBOs) in international development educate and mobilize their constituencies – their members, supporters, or members of religious institutions that sponsor them?

May 12, 2021

Five GSPIA students Receive Awards from ASPA's Keystone State Chapter

Five GSPIA students were recognized during Public Service Recognition Week by the American Society for Public Administration — Keystone State Chapter. The students' work was lauded for their commitment to community engagement and excellence in public service.

"We are eager to see the future impact that these award winners have as public administration professionals," Chapter President David L. Margolis said.