Expanding the Legacy of Public and International Affairs at Pitt
As spring begins, so too does a new era for our top-ranked school. Introducing the School of Public and International Affairs.
Student Spotlight: An unconventional journey leads MPIA student to Washington D.C.
Christopher Bekavac (MPIA '26) is spending the semester interning and studying in Washington, D.C. as part of his program here at Pitt.
International Women's Day event offers lessons and inspires action
A panel held in celebration of International Women's Day brought five women leaders, researchers, policy experts, and activists together to discuss their efforts to close the gender gap.
Undergrad student & former Policy and Social Impact Fellow wins award
Simon Wang (A&S '25) received Campus Compact’s prestigious Student Leadership Impact Award for his work with the Pittsburgh Policy Initiative.
Students to study in Scotland with Katz Global Research Practicum
Ten students from the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs will travel to Edinburgh and Glasgow over spring break as part of the Katz Global Research Practicum.
MPIA student chosen to participate in 2025 Raisina-IE Global Student Challenge
Sam Rendon (MPIA ’25) is one of fifty graduate students from across the globe who were chosen to participate in the prestigious initiative.
One Day of Giving, a year’s worth of impact
Pitt Day of Giving (PDoG) is just around the corner, and the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs is once again looking forward to the impact this day will have.
Undergrad Student Spotlight: Passion meets purpose in the Policy and Social Impact Fellows Program
Junior Riya Lakhe has found a way to combine her interests in both law and public policy here at Pitt. This year, she joined the Policy and Social Impact Fellows Program, gaining real-world experience while making an impact.
Ridgway Center hosts U.S. Army War College panel discussion
The Matthew B. Ridgway Center for International Security Studies welcomed four senior military officers to campus to share their expertise on current issues of national security.
New Student-Alumni Mentorship Program making an impact
Launched this fall, the Student-Alumni Mentorship Program is well underway and already making an impact for both current students and GSPIA alumni.
Nonprofit Clinic community partners announced
The seven area nonprofits chosen to participate in the Nonprofit Clinic this spring have been announced and it's an exciting and impressive group of local organizations.
Capstone class partners with Brazilian organization ahead of UN climate conference
Students in Associate Professor Marcela González Rivas' Capstone course developed materials and strategies to amplify local partner's voice during the upcoming COP 30.
Director of Recruitment and Admissions attends panel at the White House
Danae Williams, Director of Recruitment and Admissions, spent the day in Washington, DC in early December, speaking to federal appointees about Pitt’s top-ranked graduate programs.
Associate Professor among Pitt Cyber Accelerator Grant awardees
Public and International Affairs Associate Professor Erica Owen was awarded a Pitt Cyber Accelerator Grant (PCAG) this fall. Her project is a collaboration with Associate Professor Daniel Cole in the Swanson School of Engineering.
Student Spotlight: A semester in D.C. provides lessons far beyond the classroom
Eleanor Forshaw (MPIA '25) has had a busy fall studying, interning, and networking in D.C. with Pitt's Washington Semester Program. Her words for other students on the fence about the experience? "Just do it."
Two alumni named to this year’s 40 Under 40 by PUMP and Pittsburgh Magazine
Pittsburgh Magazine and PUMP recently announced their latest class of 40 Under 40 honorees. Among the list are two Pitt Public and International Affairs alumni, Dwight Boddorf (MPPM '17) and Prince Matthews (MPA '20).
Internship Highlight: A summer at the World Bank Group and the new B-Ready Report
Dastan Imanaliev (MPIA ’25) spent the summer interning at the World Bank Group, learning valuable skills and contributing to the organization's new flagship report on the business and investment climate worldwide.
Professor shares insights into rural perspectives on solar energy projects in radio interview
University of Pittsburgh Professor Shanti Gamper-Rabindran spoke with local radio program The Allegheny Front this week to discuss the results of a Pitt survey studying rural farmers’ views on solar projects.
New report examines online hate speech targeting women candidates of color
A report released last week by researchers in the Online Violence Against Women in Politics Working Group at Pitt's Ford Institute for Human Security, among others, offers timely insights into online hate speech in this election cycle.
Dean Slotterback named to new class of National Academy of Public Administration Fellows
Dean Carissa Slotterback has been selected for the 2024 Class of Academy Fellows by the National Academy of Public Administration.
Students advise municipalities, gain experience through state's Strategic Management Planning Program
Now in its second year, a Pitt partnership with the PA Department of Community and Economic Development proves fruitful for local municipalities and student consultants alike.
Internship Highlight: Pittsburgh borough considers its first sustainability plan thanks to Pitt student
Graduate student Simon Joseph combined his passions for sustainability and local government with a summer internship in Oakmont.
Alumni are invited to join us for Pitt Homecoming 2024
The Graduate School of Public and International Affairs will host its annual Homecoming reception on Friday, September 20th from 5:30 - 7:30 pm in Alumni Hall.
Internship Highlight: a summer in Bangladesh with USAID helps prepare student for a future in Foreign Service
An international internship taught second year student Jonah Philipp meaningful lessons he'll take with him into his future career.
University's Year of Discourse and Dialogue continues, takes look back at last year's key lessons
The Year of Discourse Dialogue, co-chaired by Dean Carissa Slotterback, continues in the 2024-25 school year. Take a look back at key takeaways from the spring's capstone event in this Pittwire feature.
Pitt Master of Public and International Affairs student presents at information security conference
Ethan Alfery (MPIA '25) demonstrated his expertise in cybersecurity to industry leaders at the BSidesPGH conference.
Professor's interviews unpack the effects of polarization and charged political rhetoric
Dr. Michael Kenney, Director of the Matthew B. Ridgway Center for International Security Studies, has appeared this week in interviews with KDKA-TV, 90.5 WESA, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, and Public Source.
Dr. Luke Condra named associate dean of the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs
There’s a new face in the Dean’s suite in Posvar Hall this summer, but one that will be familiar to many within the Pitt community.
Pitt professor recognized for best viewpoint article by Public Administration Review
University of Pittsburgh Professor Ilia Murtazashvili was awarded the prestigious Chester A. Newland Award for Best Practitioner Commentary or Viewpoint by Public Administration Review (PAR).
New faculty spotlight: Zoila Ponce de León
Dr. Zoila Ponce de León will join the Pitt community this fall an Assistant Professor of Public Policy and an affiliate of the Center for Latin American Studies.
Celebrating Spring 2024 Commencement
On Friday, April 26, faculty, staff, family, and friends of the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs gathered in Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall to celebrate the Spring 2024 Commencement Ceremony.
Capstone course’s environmental policy recommendations lead to flurry of media attention
A final report from Professor Jeremy Weber’s spring capstone class has garnered significant media attention since its release last week.
Students connect with alumni and prospective employers on DC Career Week Trip
More than 50 students and recent graduates traveled to Washington, DC, for a week full of exclusive site visits, networking events, and chats with alumni living and working in the city.
Three Master of Public and International Affairs students awarded Boren Fellowships to study language abroad
Michael DeAngelo (MPIA '24), Ryan Druffner (MPIA '25), and Kristina Rajakovich (MPIA '25) have been awarded Boren Fellowships to support their international language studies.
New Internship Program launches with alumni support, names first participant
Anna Richard (MPA '25) will be the first participant in the new Bond/WAPMM Local Government Internship Program.
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.
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.
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.