I Younan An is a second-year Master of International Development candidate and also a Global Studies Center H.J Heinz Fellow.
I is from Phnom Penh, Cambodia and received his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Northern Illinois University.
For the past year, he has been a researcher for the Gender Equality in Public Administration working group at the Ford Institute for Human Security. His experience in this working group has cultivated his skills in data collection, data analysis, data visualization, and policy writing and analysis.
I’s research interest is focused on gender equality and poverty alleviation with a specific focus in how technology can impact social and gender inequality.
During his time at GSPIA, he has interned at the UNDP Asia Pacific at Bangkok Hub, gaining practical experience on work on gender equality related policymaking.
"As a youth who grew up in an emerging economy and low-income country, I have seen the rapid world of urbanization, development and globalization in my neighborhood. This led me to choose the MID program and choose to pursue work in development field," I said.
His goal is to receive a PhD degree in Public Policy focusing in international development or to work as a social development policy specialist.
"I chose the MID program at GSPIA because I believe that the MID program here offers a diverse selection of classes and courses that will provide me with the ability to shape my research, practical and policy experiences," I said. "Moreover, I chose the MID program because of the faculty, including Dr. Finkel, Dr. Themudo, and Dr. Picard. Faculty play an important in his academic experience and the MID program provides just that."
His favorite experiences since being in Pittsburgh are the views in Schenley Park and Mount Washington. He also enjoys attending the various academic and social programs that GSPIA provides, including lectures, webinars, and happy hours (now virtually, due to COVID-19).
"I chose GSPIA for the academic curriculum that allows me to have flexibility in choosing courses that cater to my research and professional interests, and I value the many working groups at GSPIA and the independent projects with faculty," I said. "GSPIA has shaped me."