Alumni

Placements

Our PhD in Public Administration program graduates successfully obtain employment in academic and research organizations including: Harvard University, Indiana University, North Carolina University, Rutgers University, the University of North Carolina, the World Bank.

PhD in Public Administration alumni placements
Academic and Research Organization	2002-2006	2007-2012	2013-2016	Percentage
US University	13	21	9	79.7%
Non-US University	2	1	2	7.8%
Research Org	0	0	1	1.6%
US Government	0	1	0	1.6%
Non-US Government	0	0	1	1.6%
Private Sector	0	0	2	4.7%
Non-Profit Sector	2	0	0	3.1%
TOTAL	17	23	15	100%

Maxwell PhD alumni work around the world in careers in research and teaching. The bios below highlight the many accomplishments of some of our alumni.

2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | Select Older Alums

PhD Alumni
2018
	Michelle L. Lofton, PhD, 2018 Assistant Professor, Public Administration and Policy, University of Georgia Research Interests: Public Management and Finance
2017
	Kelly Ann Stevens, PhD, 2017 Assistant Professor, College of Health and Public Affairs, Central Florida University Research interests: Energy and Environmental Policy; Environmental Management, Science and Technology Policy
2016
	Tian Tang, PhD, 2016 Assistant Professor, Askew School of Public Administration and Policy, Florida State University Research interests: Environmental and Energy Policy, Technology Policy, Policy Process, Collaborative and Network Governance Fields of specialization: Environmental policy and public management
	Pengju Zhang, PhD, 2016 Assistant Professor, School of Public Affairs and Administration, Rutgers University, Newark Research interests: state and local public finance, local government studies, education finance and policy, and quantitative analysis Fields of specialization: Public finance and development policy
	Nidhi Vij, PhD, 2016 Assistant Professor of Public Policy Leadership, The University of Mississippi Research interests: Development policy and collaboration Fields of specialization: Development policy and collaboration
	Harish Jagannath, PhD, 2016 Teaches Strategic Planning and Performance Management for Public and Nonprofit Organizations, Azim Premji University, India Research interests: Public management, policy implementation, collaborative governance, bureaucratic politics, organization theory Fields of specialization: Development policy and public management
	Jason Smith, PhD, 2016 Researcher, Amazon.com
2015
	Kanika Arora, PhD, 2015 Assistant Professor, Health Management and Policy, College of Public Health, The University of Iowa Research interests: Long-term Care, Intergenerational Relations, Program Evaluation Fields of specialization at Maxwell: Social Policy "The biggest strength of Maxwell’s PAIR PhD program is its excellent faculty. I feel extremely fortunate for having had the opportunity to train under some of the best minds in the country on elder care and gerontology."
	Lincoln Groves, PhD, 2015 National Poverty Fellow, Institute for Research on Poverty, The University of Wisconsin at Madison Research interests: Poverty, Social Welfare Program Evaluation, Human Capital Accumulation, Early Childhood Investments, Young, Disconnected Males Fields of specialization at Maxwell: Social Welfare Policy, Public Finance "While my masters program made me well-prepared to analyze economic issues, the Maxwell school taught me about scholarship and causal analysis. As such, the world class faculty at Syracuse - and, in particular, my adviser - help me transition from a consumer to producer of rigorous academic research."
	Qing Miao, PhD, 2015 Assistant Professor, Department of Public Policy, Rochester Institute of Technology Research interests: Energy Economics and Policy, Climate Adaptation and Hazard Mitigation, Science and Technology Policy, Public Finance Fields of specialization at Maxwell: Environmental Policy, Public Finance "The Maxwell School offers invaluable opportunities for doctoral students to expose themselves to an interdisciplinary environment and study the questions that they find intellectually stimulating. The faculty members are highly committed to student success and the unique mentorship system is particularly beneficial."
2014
	Christian Buerger, PhD, 2014 Postdoctoral Fellow, Tulane University, Department of Economics, Education Research Alliance for New Orleans Research interests: Public Finance, Program Evaluation, Education Finance, Education Policy Fields of specialization at Maxwell: Public Finance and Education Policy
	Jung Eun Kim, PhD, 2014 Assistant Professor, University of Hong Kong, Department of Politics and Public Administration Research interests: environmental, science/technology, and international development policy Fields of specialization at Maxwell: Environmental Policy, and Science
2013
	David Berlan, PhD, 2013 Assistant Professor, Florida State University Research interests: nonprofit/NGO management, global health and development, inter-organizational networks, organization theory and change Fields of Specialization at Maxwell: Public and Nonprofit Management, International Development “From the start, studying at the Maxwell School exposed me to high quality scholarship. Members of the faculty set an example of rigorous methodology, strong theoretical grounding, intriguing topics, and policy relevance, yet still demonstrate excellence in teaching and responsiveness to students. Fellow students in the program push and support one another in seeking to meet these standards.”
	Rachel Fleishman, PhD, 2013 Assistant Director of Global Programs, Kelley School of Business MBA program, Indiana University Fields of Specialization at Maxwell: environmental policy and development policy Maxwell was a very personalized experience. I felt a strong connection to my cohort, my advisor, and many professors. The faculty were supportive when outside circumstances delayed my dissertation defense, and I’ll be forever grateful that they pushed me to finish."
	Kerri Raissian, PhD, 2013 Assistant Professor of Public Policy, University of Connecticut Research interests: child and family policy, family violence, and health policy Fields of Specialization at Maxwell: Social policy and public finance “I loved being a graduate student at Maxwell. The faculty, my fellow graduate students, and my connection to the CPR challenged me and helped me to develop my own research agenda. Maxwell is especially committed to fostering a productive relationship between PhD students and their advisors. My relationship with my advisor was and still is instrumental in helping me attain my professional goals.”
2012
	Khaldoun AbouAssi, PhD, 2012 Assistant Professor, American University, Department of Public Administration and Policy Research interests: nonprofit theory and management, development theory and management, governance, and organizational behavior and development Fields of Specialization at Maxwell: Nonprofit management; international development and comparative public administration "I have come a long way from a small town in a remote area in Lebanon to the Maxwell School. It has been a long journey that I hope takes me to new prospects and a promising future. I am very grateful to the faculty members at the Maxwell School. The interactions I have had with many of them steered my work in a different direction than I originally intended - but definitely toward the better-and helped me mature as a scholar. Fellow doctoral students provided much needed support, understanding, and encouragement. The department staff were wonderful and always helpful. I have to admit: I am going to miss my days at the Maxwell School. Enjoy yours!"
	Yu Jin Choi, PhD, 2012 Assistant Professor, Ewha Women's University Research Interests: public and nonprofit management, network and collaboration Fields of Specialization at Maxwell: public management, nonprofit management "My experiences at Maxwell have been invaluable. The availability of expert faculty members, the diverse body of students, and the wealth of networking and career opportunities are the superior advantages of this school."
	Il Hwan Chung, PhD, 2012 Assistant Professor, Baruch College, City University of New York Research interests: public budgeting and finance, education policy Fields of Specialization at Maxwell: Public finance and social policy "My experiences at the Maxwell School have been and continue to be the fuel in my career. I am very grateful to the faculty and my fellow Ph.D. students for being outstanding examples as an excellent scholar, an engaging teacher, and a supportive mentor. The Maxwell School will provide you with life-long skills in research and teaching, and it will exceed your expectations."
	Vadym Pyrozhenko, PhD, 2012 Assistant Professor of Public Administration, University of Michigan - Dearborn Research areas: Social knowledge and innovation, citizen participation, collaboration Fields of specialization at Maxwell: Organization theory, public sector reform and democratic governance "For me, Maxwell is like wine - it gets better with age. The more I grow as a professional and a person, the more I appreciate its great minds and people."
2011
	Robert W. Alexander, PhD, 2011 Assistant Professor of Political Science, James Madison University Research interests: sustainability policy; brownfield remediation and redevelopment; social network analysis; natural resource planning and management; public/private partnerships; collaborative process; policy tools and institutional management; and organizational leadership. Fields of Specialization at Maxwell: Organizational Theory; Environmental Policy; Conflict Management; Collaborative Governance “One of the greatest strengths of doctoral study at the Maxwell School that continues to impact my work today was the degree of interaction and integration with doctoral student colleagues across the social sciences and humanities. My placement in the Program for the Advancement of Research on Conflict and Collaboration (PARCC) and exposure to the theoretical lenses applied by PARCC scholars in sociology, anthropology, history, and political science greatly influenced my ability to approach research from an informed, interdisciplinary perspective.”
	Ryan Yeung, PhD, 2011 Assistant Professor of Urban Policy and Planing, Hunter College Research interests: social policy, particularly in education and transportation policy, and public budgeting and finance “I especially value the relationships I developed at Maxwell. People like Phuong Nguyen, Johnny Yinger, Ross Rubenstein and Jerry Miner I expect to speak with the rest of my life.”

Select Older Alums

Coady Wing, PhD, 2010	Assistant Professor, School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University Research Interests: Health and Social Policy, Regulation of Labor Markets, Causal Inference and Applied Econometrics Fields of Specialization at Maxwell: Social Policy; Program Evaluation
Larry Miller, PhD, 2009	Dean of the School of Education, Charter Schools, and Dual Enrollment, Florida SouthWestern State College Research Areas of Interest: public budgeting, finance and social policy Fields of Specialization at Maxwell: public budgeting & finance, and social policy
Heather Getha-Taylor, PhD, 2007	Assistant Professor, School of Public Affairs and Administration, University of Kansas Research Areas of Interest: Human Resource Management, Organization Theory Fields of Specialization at Maxwell: Human Resource Management, Organization Theory
Cynthia Searcy, PhD, 2008	Assistant Dean for Academic Programs, Georgia State University Research Areas of Interests: Financial Management & Budgeting, Education Policy, Health Policy
Kristina Lambright, MPA, 1997, PhD, 2006	Chair and Associate Professor of Public Administration, Binghamton University Director of Graduate Studies, Binghamton University Research Areas of Interest: Alternative Service Delivery Structures, Contracting, Monitoring Social Service Delivery Systems, Organizational Performance, Campus-Based Civic Engagement, Service Learning, Engaged Scholarship. Fields of Specialization at Maxwell: Social Policy, PA Organization Theory
Anna Amirkhanyan, PhD, 2005	Professor, School of Public Affairs, Department of Public Administration and Policy, American University Research Areas of Interest: Public Administration Theory and History, Organization Theory, Nonprofit Management, Public Sector Reform and Privatization, Quantitative and Qualitative Methodology Fields of Specialization at Maxwell: Aging & Health Policy, Organization Theory, PA Theory
Yonghong Wu, PhD, 2004	Associate Professor, Department of Public Administration, College of Urban Planning & Public Affairs, University of Illinois at Chicago Research Areas of Interest: State and local government finance, Science and technology policy, Technology-based economic development, Municipal fiscal decision-making, State and local communications taxation Fields of Specialization at Maxwell: Budgeting and Public Finance, Science and Technology Policy, Public Administration Theory
Willow Jacobson, PhD, 2003	Associate Professor of Public Administration and Government and Director, LGFCU Fellows Program, University of North Carolina Research Areas of Interest: Human resource managementand organizational theory
Carolyn Bourdeaux, PhD, 2003	Associate Professor, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Georgia State University Associate Director for Research, Georgia State University Fiscal Research Center Former Director, Georgia Senate Budget and Evaluation Office Research Areas of Interest: budgeting and public finance, governance, and urban policy
Yilin Hou, PhD, 2002	Professor, Public Administration and International Affairs, Maxwell School, Syracuse University Research interests: Fiscal/budgetary institutions, state and local taxation, intergovernmental fiscal relations, intellectual development of public budgeting Fields of specialization: Fiscal policy, public budgeting, intergovernmental fiscal relations
Don Moynihan, PhD, 2002	Professor of Public Affairs and Associate Director, LaFollette School of Public Affairs Won David M. Kershaw Award Research Areas of Interest: Public Administration History and Theory, Public Management Reform, Organizational Behavior, Election Administration, Citizen Participation, Performance Management, Public Budgeting, Red Tape/Administrative Burden, Crisis Response Networks, Public Service Motivation Fields of Specialization at Maxwell: Public Management
Matt Andrews, PhD, 2002	Associate Professor, Faculty Associate, Center for International Development, Harvard University Research Areas of Interest: public sector reform, particularly budgeting and financial management reform, and participatory governance in developing and transitional governments. Fields of Specialization at Maxwell: Organization Theory and Public Finance
Robert Bifulco, MPA, 1994, PhD, 2001	Professor of Public Administration, The Maxwell School, Syracuse University Research Areas of Interest: Education finance & policy, program evaluation, school segregation
Amy Donahue, MPA, 1996, PhD, 2000	Professor and Vice Provost for Academic Operations Department of Public Policy, University of Connecticut Technical Advisor to the US Department of Homeland Security Research Areas of Interest: public policy analysis, public finance, public and nonprofit organizations and management, intergovernmental and cross-sector relations, disaster policy and emergency management
Eric W. Welch, PhD, 1997	Professor, School of Public Affairs, Arizona State University. Director, Center for Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy Studies, Arizona State University Research interests: technology processes in public organizations, environmental policy, science and technology policy, and R&D performance evaluation
William Duncombe, MPA, 1987, PhD, 1989	William Duncombe's life. Editor, Public Budgeting & Finance Research Areas of Interest: School Finance, Public Budgeting and Finance
Rosemary O'Leary, PhD, 1988	Edwin O. Stene Distinguished Professor of Public Administration at the University of Kansas. Research Areas of Interest: Public Management, Environmental Policy, Dispute Resolution, and Law
Michael Crow, PhD, 1985	President, Professor of Public Affairs, Arizona State University Research Areas of Interest: Knowledge enterprise design; technology management; science and technology policy; science and societal outcomes; research and development; emerging technologies; organization theory; energy policy; sustainable development
Ken Meier, MA, 1974, PhD, 1975	Charles H. Gregory Chair in Liberal Arts, Texas A&M University Distinguished Professor of Political Science; Director, Project for Equity, Representation and Governance; Director, Cantu Hispanic Education and Opportunity Endowment; Director, Program in the Cross-National Study of Politics Research Areas of Interest: electoral structure, access to political power, representation in management and bureaucratic positions, and the performance of minority students on a wide range of indicators
Larry O’Toole, MPA, PhD, 1975	Margaret Hughes and Robert Golembiewski Professor of Public Administration and Distinguished Research Professor, The University of Georgia Research Areas of Interest: Policy implementation in complex institutional settings; the impact of public management on government performance; networks and public management; intergovernmental and inter-organizational relations; and environmental, health, and educational policy and management
Jim Perry, MPA, 1972, PhD, 1974	Distinguished Professor Emeritus, School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University Research Areas of Interest: Public service motivation, government and civil service reform, public management, public human resource management, national and community service, performance-related pay, public organizational behavior