Research centers

Research Centers

The centers and institutes within the School of Public Policy are a direct reflection of the issues and research being pursued within the School itself. Not only is significant research taking place and important issues being addressed, but the centers and institutes offer students an opportunity to participate in the real world of policymaking. In doing so, students are working under the guidance of accomplished faculty who are directly influencing policy issues in a wide range of areas.

 

‘Downtown' Meetings

During the thick of finals week recently, Ph.D. student Robert Lamb had to take time out to “head downtown,” as he puts it. Lamb, who is specializing in international security and economic policy, is a Graduate Research Fellow at the Center for International and Security Studies or CISSM. As part of CISSM, he is involved with the Civil Violence and Space Operations components of the Advanced Methods of Cooperative Security Program.

In fact, he accompanied CISSM personnel to the meeting in Washington , D.C. “Part of our strategy,” says Lamb, “is getting our research into the hands of Congress, influencing legislation,” he says.

For Lamb, who describes his bedside reading as “books on philosophy and political theory” and is interested in pursuing research in state failure, nation-building, development and ethics, the experience with CISSM has been invaluable. “I have found exactly what I wanted,” he says of the School. “And it has been even better than I expected in many ways.”

Adding, “This is right where I want to be.”