School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs - Impact Report - 2023-2024
“The School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs at Northeastern University represents a community of thinkers, doers, and dreamers united by a commitment to just social progress.”
Maria
Ivanova Director and Professor School of Public Policy andUrban Affairs, Northeastern University
Community
We envision policy co-created through the lived experience of local participants , enriched by global insights, and designed to produce real, felt, and meaningful impact in our shared communities.
“The common thread we all share is that the Policy School teaches us how to become the kinds of leaders who improve the lives of individuals and strengthen communities.”
— Paul Fletcher, MS in Law and Public Policy ’19
Collaboration
Through groundbreaking research, collaborative community engagement, and a commitment to public service values, we develop solutions to advance social justice, promote sustainable development, and contribute to communities locally and globally.
Communication
We are preparing the next generation of policy innovators to accessibly convey solutions to the wide-ranging policy challenges of a diverse and rapidly evolving world.
SCHOOL BY THE NUMBERS
— Tayte Adderley, Master of Public Policy ’25
Connecting Communities and Unleashing Imagination
This Impact Report highlights the key initiatives, achievements, and collaborations of the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs over the past year. It reflects the Policy School’s unwavering commitment to public policy, urban affairs, and environmental governance. Whether conducting high-level academic research or actively engaging with communities, policymakers, and global institutions, our faculty and students are driving meaningful change in communities from the local to the global.
Cultivating hope as climate change presents increasingly complex challenges, the Policy School is providing leadership and innovation. Through cutting-edge research, strategic partnerships, and active community relationships, we champion meaningful climate action change from Boston to every corner of the world in pursuit of a resilient and sustainable future.
Rising to meet the needs of a rapidly urbanizing world, the Policy School is at the forefront of crafting innovative solutions that enhance the quality of life in metropolitan as well as smaller urban settings. By merging research, collaboration, and community-driven initiatives, we are shaping cities that are more sustainable, equitable, and inclusive.
Embracing steadily escalating environmental challenges, the Policy School is leading efforts focused on pollution reduction and nature conservation. Through our research, global partnerships, and community engagements, we are making a lasting impact on the health of the planet and working to secure a healthier future for all.
Pioneering the integration of the arts into policy research has enabled the Policy School to create novel avenues for engagement and social transformation. Through these ground-breaking collaborations, we are advancing academic discourse and making a tangible impact on the future of communities in our vicinity and across the world.
Driving economic development is a key priority of our academic research and pragmatic initiatives that empower communities both locally and globally. By fostering entrepreneurial mindsets, expanding shared services, and supporting youth development, we are paving the way for economic resilience and inclusive growth and creating sustainable economic opportunities that benefit all.
Promoting equity and justice through rigorous research, influential public discourse, and active community engagement is at the leading edge of the Policy School’s mission. Our dedication to the vital work of confronting systemic oppression and advancing social and racial justice informs all of our teaching and research.
We invite everyone to collaborate with our innovative, interdisciplinary approaches to policy education and practice, and to join our strong commitment to sustainability, equity, and social justice. Opposite
Climate
At the Policy School, our approach to climate change is both deeply local and broadly global. Our faculty and students are at the forefront of innovative research and impactful initiatives that address resilience in the face of extreme weather, socially conscious urban and global development, marine and coastal impacts, environmental justice, and fossil fuel alternatives.
Local Impact in Boston
Common SENSES in Boston
The Common SENSES project, a community-led research collaboration in Roxbury and Dorchester, reflects the work of Professors Dan O’Brien, Moira Zellner, Michelle Laboy, and Amy Mueller. This initiative involves participatory mapping and the co-design of environmental sensor networks to measure flooding, heat, air pollution, noise, and humidity. The data gathered are used to support community advocacy and the co-design of green infrastructure solutions, reflecting the School’s commitment to environmental justice.
Community Solar in Boston
Professor Joan Fitzgerald and Policy School Advisory Committee member Greg King authored an op-ed in the Boston Globe advocating for community solar as a solution to energy inequities in low-income neighborhoods. Their work has sparked city-wide discussions on expanding renewable energy access, particularly in environmental justice communities.
Climate Change and Seaside Development in Boston
In collaboration with filmmaker David Abel and Northeastern’s Climate Justice and Sustainability Hub, the Policy School co-hosted a screening of “Inundation District,” a powerful documentaryexploring the impact of rising sea levels on Boston’s Seaport neighborhood. Professors Joan Fitzgerald, Kimberly Lucas, and Lily Song led a panel discussion on socially conscious development, emphasizing the need for climate-resilient urban planning. This event not only raised awareness but also spurred local action towards more sustainable urban development.
Urban Heat Islands in Boston and Haifa, Israel
Professors Moira Zellner and Laura Kuhl launched the “Equitable Resilience to Heat” project, focusing on the Urban Heat Island effect in coastal cities. This initiative, which spans Boston and Haifa, Israel, explores community -driven solutions to mitigate heat stress, highlighting the intersection of climate science and social equity.
National and Global Reach Cutting-Edge Research and Innovations
Decarbonization Barriers in Western Massachusetts
As part of the “Community-Engaged Co-Design for a Just and Sustainable Energy Transition” project, Professor Moira Zellner led participatory modeling activities with stakeholders to identify barriers to decarbonization in low-income communities in Western Massachusetts. Funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s STAR program, this project serves as a pilot for scaling up across the state, demonstrating the Policy School’s commitment to equitable energy transitions.
Transportation Infrastructure and Climate Change in California
Professor Serena Alexander led the evaluation team for California’s Climate Action Plan for Transportation Infrastructure (CAPTI). This plan, which directs billions of discretionary transportation dollars annually, is key to addressing climate change while ensuring equitable mobility. Professor Alexander’s work underscores the importance of aligning regional and local planning efforts to meet greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets.
Green Climate Fund Workshop in South Korea
Professor Laura Kuhl was invited as an expert at a Green Climate Fund workshop in South Korea. This twoday event brought together climate finance experts to bridge the gap between science and policy, furthering global efforts to finance sustainable development.
WCRP Open Science Conference in Kigali, Rwanda
Policy School Director Maria Ivanova, alongside PhD student Claren Copp-LaRocque, represented Northeastern University at the World Climate Research Programme’s Open Science Conference in Kigali. As a keynote speaker, Professor Ivanova emphasized the critical role of global environmental commitments in Africa, fostering international collaborations to address climate challenges in the Global South.
Climate Resilience Planning in Dominica and Barbados
In partnership with the Global Resilience Institute, Social Impact Lab Director Rebecca Riccio and Professor Moira Zellner led a $1 million USAID-funded project to support community-centered climate resilience in the Caribbean. Their work integrates participatory modeling and community engagement, ensuring that local voices are central to the development of sustainable resilience strategies.
Intergenerational Climate Education Impact in Bihar, India
Supported by a World Bank grant, Professors Nishith Prakash, Sara Constantino, and Nirajana Mishra conducted a randomized control trial in Bihar to study the spillover effects of climate education. Their research has revealed critical insights into how environmental knowledge is transferred across generations, influencing behaviors and preferences within households.
Climate Change Impacts in the Amazon Region
Professor Gabriela Garcia’s collaboration with The Nature Conservancy has led to groundbreaking research on climate adaptation in the Amazon. This project supports nature- based solutions to climate impacts, with a focus on equitable adaptation strategies across Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador.
The Perils of Climate Engineering
Professor Jennie C. Stephens co-authored, together with Benjamin Day, a Common Dreams article warning of the dangers of climate engineering. She criticized a plan to dump alkaline substances into Massachusetts coastal waters in the hope of making those ocean waters less acidic, causing them to draw carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Professor Stephens identified the risks to marine life in the dumping locations and called for the deployment of proven solutions, such as wind and solar projects, that center ecological integrity, environmental justice, and human rights.
Climate Podcast
In June 2024 Policy School Director Maria Ivanova was interviewed for TILclimate (Today I Learned: Climate), an award-winning MIT podcast that breaks down the science, technologies, and policies behind climate change. In the episode entitled “E10: 2°C: the story of the global climate goal,” she offered her perspective on the landmark Paris Agreement of 2015, which gave the world a shared target for halting climate change: that global warming should stop well short of two degrees Celsius. In the podcast, Prof. Ivanova shared the history and diplomacy behind those crucial two degrees.
Urban Innovations
From the playgrounds of London to the neighborhoods surrounding Northeastern’s Boston campus, Policy School faculty and students are pioneering creative models that enhance urban life and foster sustainable, inclusive cities. By advocating for eco-friendly infrastructure and leveraging technology to expand opportunities equitably, our researchers collaborate with community leaders, city government officials, and policymakers to implement pragmatic and progressive transformations. These efforts are not just theoretical; they are making a tangible difference in communities, improving the quality of life and setting new standards for urban transformations.
London Play
Problem Property Interventions
Professors Dan O’Brien and Michael Zoorob led a comprehensive study of Boston’s Problem Properties Task Force, a city initiative aimed at reducing crime and disorder in specific locations. Their findings revealed significant improvements in public safety and community wellbeing, demonstrating the value of targeted interventions in urban governance. This research offers a model for other cities looking to address similar challenges.
Building More Equitable Ways to Address Climate Change in Boston
Sustainable Urban Development Equity and Inclusion in Urban Spaces
Boston’s “Green New Deal” Workforce Needs
The Dukakis Center and the Community to Community Impact Accelerator (C2C) secured a $200,000 contract from the City of Boston to assess the workforce needs for the city’s Green New Deal. Led by Professors Joan Fitzgerald and Alicia Modestino, the project aims to create pathways for Boston residents, particularly those in historically disadvantaged communities, to join the green economy. This initiative not only supports the city’s climate goals but also promotes social equity by focusing on inclusive economic growth.
Green Infrastructure Development in Boston
Professor Moira Zellner and Dr. Dean Massey developed a user-friendly modeling tool to assist in the planning of green infrastructure in Boston. Their work supports city planners and community groups in designing urban environments that are resilient to flooding and other climate impacts. By providing datadriven insights, this project empowers communities to take an active role in shaping sustainable urban spaces.
“Play is foundational to child development and a key criterion of a restorative city, and yet we know that not all children have access to playful spaces.”
— Emily Mann, Teaching Professor of Human Services
Professor Daniel Aldrich co-authored, with MS Resilience Studies alumna Ava Gallo ’21, a Human Ecology article which examined the extent to which local, urban-based climate projects engage with residents in coastal communities. Although many have lauded Boston as one of the first cities to adopt a Green New Deal, critics have argued that these efforts have not always prioritized the needs of underrepresented communities. Professor Aldrich called for making such projects as participatory as possible, noting that successful climate change mitigation, adaptation, and transformation will require a balance of bottom-up, community-led planning and engagement with top-down resource deployment.
London Play: Advancing Play Spaces for Equity
Professors Emily Mann and Lori Gardinier led a Dialogue of Civilizations in England focused on community development through play spaces. Collaborating with London Play, they explored how accessible design and restorative practices in urban spaces can enhance equity and justice. This project highlights the importance of inclusive public spaces in fostering social cohesion and community well-being.
Leveraging Technology for Urban Transformation
Public Interest AI
Professors Kimberly Lucas and Dan O’Brien received a 2023 PIT-UN Network Challenge Grant to develop a curriculum on AI Governance and Communities. Their project focuses on creating a Civic Research Agenda for Public Interest AI, which brings together community organizations, public officials, and technologists to address digital equity. Through this initiative, the Policy School is at the forefront of ensuring that AI benefits all members of society, particularly marginalized communities.
The State of AI in Cities: RethinkAI Initiative
Professor Neil Kleiman’s RethinkAI initiative is a groundbreaking effort to integrate AI into urban governance. By partnering with institutions, scholars, and practitioners across the U.S., RethinkAI is piloting projects that leverage AI to enhance civic engagement and ensure equity in local governance. This initiative has already garnered support from major philanthropic organizations, positioning it as a leader in the field of civic technology.
Nature and Pollution
At the Policy School, we are at the forefront of tackling global plastic pollution, leading with creative, sustainable solutions that resonate from the classroom to international policy arenas. Through collaborative efforts, we are driving tangible, measurable change. We go beyond academic analyses; we pioneer real-world actions that range from the development of innovative materials to influencing local policies and shaping international legislation. Our faculty and students are tackling plastic pollution on multiple fronts. Whether advancing cutting-edge research on plastics in ecosystems, promoting alternatives to single-use plastics, or engaging in grassroots activism, we are actively shaping a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Innovative Solutions and Research
World Wildlife Fund Plastic Policy Summit
At the second Plastic Policy Summit hosted by the World Wildlife Fund in Washington D.C., Policy School Director Maria Ivanova, along with master’s student Alexandra Carlotto ‘23 and University of Georgia Ph.D. candidate Taylor Maddalene, led a workshop on “Mapping Capacity and Knowledge Gaps.” The summit, which brought together more than 300 experts, provided a platform for discussing forward-looking strategies for national plastic policy, showcasing the Policy School’s leadership in addressing plastic pollution.
Charting a New Course in Environmental Governance
The Policy School hosted several events on Northeastern’s Arlington campus to strengthen the Policy School’s presence in the national capital area and to discuss critical issues such as legal strategies for environmental justice. The discussions featured Northeastern alumnus Ray Ludwiszewski and the director of the UNEP North America Office Rafael Peralta and highlighted the Policy School’s role in shaping environmental governance and justice at the local and regional levels. Professors Maria Ivanova and Tracy Corley co-hosted the events and Dean Kellee Tsai engaged fully as the leader of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities.
Global Environmental Leadership
Global Negotiations on a UN Plastic Pollution Treaty
Policy School Director Maria Ivanova played an important role in the United Nations Plastic Treaty negotiations, contributing her expertise in environmental governance to Rwanda’s delegation and leading the first-ever Northeastern delegation in the international negotiations. Working with Northeastern undergraduate student Kylee Hendrie, she is documenting the leadership of small states like Rwanda and Peru in the negotiations, highlighting the global influence of the Policy School in global environmental policy and governance.
UNEP Accredits Northeastern University
Northeastern University joined a small group of institutions as an accredited member of the Scientific and Technological Community Major Group to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). This accreditation has opened new avenues for our faculty and students to engage directly in global environmental governance, influencing policy and contributing to international environmental initiatives. As a result, Northeastern sent delegations to the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee sessions for a new global treaty on plastic pollution in Nairobi (November 2023) and in Ottawa (April 2024).
End Plastic Pollution International Collaborative (EPPIC)
The U.S. Department of State awarded the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Ocean Foundation, Aspen Institute and Searious Business a $15 million grant to launch the End Plastic Pollution International Collaborative (EPPIC). This public-private partnership aims to catalyze innovative solutions across the lifecycle of plastic products, from design to disposal. Professor Maria Ivanova participated in the roundtable that launched EPPIC “Charting the Course” in New York in September 2023 and moderated the EPPIC discussion between Jonathan Gillibrand (State Department) and Tracy Farrell (IUCN North America) in Ottawa, Canada in April 2024.
Policy and the Arts
At the Policy School, we are committed to integrating creativity with policy innovation to drive meaningful social change. By harnessing the power of the arts, we communicate complex ideas and amplify policy impact in ways that resonate deeply with diverse audiences. Through collaborative projects intersecting art and policy, we explore new methods to engage communities, influence public opinion, and inform policy decisions. Our collaborations with artists committed to sustainable practices and our application of artistic methods to data visualization reflect our innovative approach. Whether through dramatic performances or the visual arts, we are transforming how information is conveyed, attitudes are shaped, and behaviors are changed, making a tangible impact on both local and global scales.
Art as a Tool for Social Change
“Collective Abundance” Exhibition
Professor Cara Michell, an expert in Race and Social Justice in the Built Environment, explored themes of spatial representation and collective ownership in her powerful exhibition “Collective Abundance” at the LA MaMa Galleria in Manhattan. The exhibition highlighted the potential of art to challenge traditional notions of ownership and inspire a shift towards more inclusive, communitycentered urban spaces.
Theater-Based Training to Reduce Gender-Based Violence
Professor Nishith Prakash and his team partnered with the Bihar Police Academy in India to implement theater-based training aimed at reducing gender bias in policing. This groundbreaking initiative, one of the largest training efforts in India, uses the dramatic arts to address discriminatory behaviors and promote equitable law enforcement practices. The project exemplifies the use of performance as a transformative tool for social justice.
Innovative Approaches to Data and Policy Communication
Data Theater Collaborative
Professors Moira Zellner and Rahul Bhargava of Northeastern’s Data Theater Collaborative were honored with the Heart of CommUNITY award, recognizing their roles as civic leaders and volunteers in the neighborhoods surrounding Northeastern’s campus. By using theater to make complex data accessible and engaging, they facilitate community understanding and involvement in urban planning decisions. In one workshop, theater artists collaborated with young people from the Hyde Park Task Force to interpret survey data collected for the redevelopment of nearby SouthWest Corridor Park. This initiative exemplifies how art can bridge the gap between data and public engagement.
The Art of Sustainability
The Power of Photography to Change Hearts and Policies
Professor Ted Landsmark authored a March 2024 Boston Globe reflection in which he posed two questions: How does a photograph contribute toward advancing social justice? How does one assess the policy-making impact of a powerful image?
Professor Landsmark described Stanley Forman’s Pulitzerwinning 1976 photo “The Soiling of Old Glory”—in which a flagwielding demonstrator attacked a young Landsman outside City Hall—as a definitive statement of racism in America. As the image spread around the globe, it helped to shift civic and policy attitudes and contributed to racial justice progress for Black and brown Bostonians.
Participatory Modeling and Collage-Making
Professor Moira Zellner combines her expertise in data science with a passion for visual arts, particularly collage-making. Her work in participatory modeling engages communities in the co-creation of models that represent complex systems, using artistic methods to tell stories and capture diverse perspectives. This approach not only enhances scientific understanding but also fosters creativity and collaboration among stakeholders.
Collaborating with Global Artists
Alliance Between Academia and the Arts
Northeastern University participated in the sixth session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) in Nairobi, Kenya, with a delegation that included Policy School Director Maria Ivanova, PhD student Olga Skaredina, and colleagues from other Boston-area universities, as well as collaborators from Kenya and Rwanda. Speaking at the closing of the UN Science-Policy-Business Forum, Professor Ivanova proposed the creation of an Art and Academia Alliance, emphasizing the potential of art to awaken our conscience, capture our imagination, and spark dialogue. This initiative underscores the transformative power of art in shaping public discourse and advancing sustainable solutions.
Northeastern University was the only delegation to include a leading global artist at the fourth session of the UN Intergovernmental Negotiation Committee (INC4) on a new global treaty on plastic pollution, held in Ottawa, Canada. Rwandan artist and environmental advocate Innocent Nkurunziza joined the Northeastern delegation led by Policy School Director Maria Ivanova. His participation underscored the critical role of artistic expression in environmental advocacy, demonstrating how creativity can inspire innovative approaches to addressing plastic pollution. In Ottawa, Innocent’s art reflected the interconnectedness of humanity and nature, reinforcing the importance of diverse voices in environmental policymaking. His work, also exhibited throughout the Policy School’s space on the Northeastern’s Boston campus, paints a vivid picture of a cleaner, more resilient world. His engagement with the Policy School highlights the essential role that diverse voices and artistic insights play in shaping effective environmental policies.
Benjamin Von Wong and Innocent Nkurunziza
Rwandan artist Innocent Nkurunziza
Unsettled Accounts
“Unsettled Accounts” is a participatory action research project that seeks to advance understanding of Black land ownership and unjust takings in 20th-century Boston. Co-led by Roxbury activist Dianne Wilkerson and Dr. Lily Song, and supported by the Reckonings Project at Northeastern, the oral history component gathers stories from Black Bostonians whose family homes, businesses, and lands were unjustly taken by government authorities through urban renewal and highway projects—as well as those who lost their properties as a result of tax liens, speculative lending, and bankruptcy court proceedings.
The research uncovers past events that have critically shaped contemporary urban landscapes of racial segregation and inequality, captures stories and memories of community resistance and resilience, and invites reflections and discussions on what repair and redress could and should look. In addition to sharing the oral history accounts with the City of Boston Task Force on Reparations, the project is developing a digital archive and cohosting public programming with community-based partners to share the data and findings with most-impacted communities and advance reparative policy initiatives.
1. Collage by Professor Moira Zellner
2. Art by Innocent Nkurunziza
3. Aziza Robinson-Goodnight and Lily Song
4. From “Collective Abundance” (Cara Michell)
5. From “Rewriting Our City: Unsettled Accounts” (Lily Song)
Equity and Justice
At the Policy School, our commitment to equity and justice is at the core of our teaching, research, and community engagement. By centering the lived experiences, knowledge, and voices of the communities in which we teach, learn, and conduct research, we seek to address past injustices and build a more equitable and inclusive future.
Research and Policy Engagement
Boston Mayor’s Task Force on Reparations
Professors Ted Landsmark and Richard O’Bryant joined forces with a group of academics and history experts to lead research efforts on Boston’s role in the transatlantic slave trade and the city’s more recent history of discrimination. Their findings will inform the recommendations of a reparations panel formed by Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, which aims to draft a plan to compensate Black residents for economic losses caused by slavery and its aftermath. This work is a critical step toward acknowledging and addressing historical injustices.
Systemic Racism and
Boston’s Climate Opportunities
Professor Ted Landsmark contributed to the Boston Green Ribbon Commission’s (GRCX) “Our Shared History” report, which seeks to initiate an open dialogue among stakeholders about Boston’s future. The report focuses on the transition to a resilient post-carbon economy, addressing racial injustice patterns, climate inequities, and opportunities for equitable climate action. This initiative underscores the intersection of racial justice and environmental sustainability.
Reducing Racial Disparities in Traffic Stops
Professor Matthew Ross has been working with officials in Connecticut on that state’s Racial Profiling Prohibition Project, one of the first programs aimed at addressing racial disparities in traffic stops at a systemic level. Professor Ross conducted a study that documents the success of the Connecticut Model and also sheds light on why other states are falling short. Even though most police departments are collecting data that would help them make meaningful changes to their enforcement tactics, Professor Ross’s research shows that many departments lack capacity to analyze the data effectively and conduct follow-up interventions.
Public Discourse and Community Education
Civility Series Panel on Affirmative Action
In the wake of the 2023 Supreme Court decision on raceconscious admissions, Professor Matt Lee was featured at a panel discussion on the future of affirmative action in the United States. Moderated by Professor Ted Landsmark, the event brought together Northeastern colleagues and audience members to explore creative paths forward on diversity, equity, and belonging in higher education and beyond.
Student and Community Initiatives
‘Good Trouble’ Award for Best Civil Rights Project
The Policy School established the Ted Landsmark ‘Good Trouble’ Award, named in honor of civil rights activist and U.S. Congressman John Lewis, to recognize outstanding civil rights projects by high school students. John Lewis urged people to “never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.” The Policy School presented the inaugural award to three Needham High School students for their National History Day documentary on the Tuskegee Syphilis Study. This award celebrates the importance of activism and encourages the next generation to continue the good, necessary fight for justice.
Citizen Science
In a 2024 article published in BioScience, Professor Damon Hall and colleagues called for a shift in citizen-science research from extractive to relational models, advocating for reciprocal benefits to both researchers and citizen-scientists. This approach addresses ethical concerns and enhances the impact of citizen science as a tool for social change.
Harm Reduction Training Program
Professors Emily Mann and Lori Gardinier collaborated with RIZE MA on a harm reduction training program evaluation across four Boston-area schools of social work. This initiative, aimed at combating the overdose crisis, engaged students and alumni in practical research and advocacy, culminating in presentations at the Council on Social Work Education’s annual conference and the NU RISE conference. The program exemplifies the Policy School’s commitment to addressing public health crises through education and community involvement.
Peace and Social Justice Week
The Social Impact Lab, directed by Rebecca Riccio, co-sponsored the annual Peace and Social Justice Week, a series of events focused on liberatory approaches to social change. The 2024 event featured keynote addresses by Boston Poet Laureate Porsha Olayiwola and social justice facilitator adrienne marie brown. The week included workshops on community-led safety, social movement building, and the intersection of complexity, power, identity, and accountability in social change efforts.
“The Soiling of Old Glory” 48th Anniversary Panel Professor Ted Landsmark participated in a Suffolk University panel discussion commemorating the 48th anniversary of the iconic “Soiling of Old Glory” photograph featuring a young Professor Landsmark. The image, taken during a desegregation protest in Boston, remains a powerful symbol of racial tensions in America. The panel, which included Pulitzer-Prize winning photojournalist Stanley Forman and historians Louis P. Masur and Robert Allison, examined the legacy and impact of the image, as well as ongoing challenges in the fight for racial justice.
Economic Development
The Policy School is dedicated to driving economic development initiatives that expand opportunities and foster inclusive growth in communities from Boston to Oakland and beyond. Our faculty and students actively engage in research and projects that target youth employment, shared services, and entrepreneurial development, making a tangible impact on economic outcomes and social equity. The positive impact of such programs on employment rates, education outcomes, and criminal justice involvement illustrates our commitment to creating pathways for prosperity and advancing economic resilience.
Expanding Shared Services for Economic Growth
Professor Kimberly D. Lucas, in collaboration with Dr. Wendy Wagner Robeson from the Wellesley Center for Women, secured a $100,000 grant from the United Way of Massachusetts Bay. This grant supports an evaluation of the extension of their Shared Services program from Boston to the Merrimack Valley, a bi-state region along the Merrimack River in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. The program aims to build local economic prosperity by optimizing resources and services across communities, fostering greater efficiency and collaboration among local businesses and organizations.
Fostering Entrepreneurial Mindsets
Professor Nishith Prakash and his collaborators received a grant to study the impact of the Entrepreneurial Mindset Development Program in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Implemented at scale by the government, this program has reached over 293,000 students across 4,800 government schools and trained more than 9,000 teachers. By instilling an entrepreneurial mindset in young students, the program seeks to inspire innovation and economic self-sufficiency, contributing to long-term economic growth in the region.
Under the leadership of Professor Alicia Modestino, the Community to Community Impact Accelerator (C2C) collaborated with the Boston Mayor’s Office to launch the Northeastern Summer Jobs Program. This initiative engaged Boston residents aged 14-24 in a diverse range of paid opportunities on Northeastern University’s Boston campus. By providing young people with hands-on experience in various administrative, customer service, and research roles, the program fostered valuable professional skills and broadened career prospects. The program has also expanded to the Bay Area in California, with regional support from Professor Carrie MaultsbyLute, head of partnerships for Northeastern’s Oakland campus, and Alli Chagi-Starr, C2C’s regional director.
Empowering Youth Through Employment
Professor Alicia Modestino
Convenings and Collaborations
The Policy School at Northeastern University has a long-standing commitment to fostering collaborations that extend our impact locally, nationally, and globally. Through strategic convenings, dialogues, and partnerships with academic institutions, government agencies, and international organizations, we drive innovative solutions and influence policy in critical areas such as urban planning, public administration, and environmental governance.
Celebrating Leadership in Policy
The Policy School co-sponsored a celebration of the legacy of former Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis, who retired from Northeastern after 29 years of teaching politics and policy. This event featured distinguished guests, including former Governors William Weld and Deval Patrick, as well as current Governor Maura Healey. Professor Ted Landsmark, Director of The Kitty and Michael Dukakis Center for Urban and Regional Policy, moderated a panel on “The Massachusetts Miracle: Dukakis and State Politics,” and Professor Christopher Bosso led a session titled “In the Classroom: Dukakis as Teacher and Mentor.” This symposium not only honored Gov. Dukakis’s contributions but also highlighted the School’s role in shaping future policy leaders.
Bridging Research and Policy Implementation
Professors Nishith Prakash and Silvia Prina hosted a groundbreaking workshop at the 2024 Global Action for Policy (GAP) Conference, titled “The ‘Missing’ Link between Evidence-Based Research and Policy Implementation.” The workshop featured three keynote speakers: Dean Karlan, Professor of Economics and Finance at Northwestern University and Chief Economist at USAID; Joshua Angrist, Ford Professor of Economics at MIT and recipient of the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics in 2021; and Michael Kremer, University Professor in Economics at the University of Chicago, Director of the Development Innovation Lab at the Becker Friedman Institute for Research in Economics, and recipient of the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics in 2019. They explored innovative strategies to foster collaboration and translate evidence-based findings into actionable policies. This collaborative initiative reflects the Policy School’s leadership in bridging the gap between academic research and real-world policy implementation.
Advancing Data-Driven Policy in Boston
Professor Dan O’Brien led the 2024 BARI Conference, a unique forum for community leaders, practitioners, researchers, and policymakers to share their advances in data-driven research and policy in Greater Boston. The conference attracted 475 attendees and featured more than 95 speakers, including representatives from academia, city government, healthcare, technology, consulting, and social services. The diverse participation underscores the Policy School’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to address urban challenges.
Left to right: former Gov. William Weld, former Gov. Deval Patrick, Pres. Joseph E. Aoun, Prof. Costas Panagopoulos, former Gov. Michael Dukakis, Gov. Maura Healey.
Lauren Jones, MPA ’17, Secretary of Labor & Workforce Development in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
photo credit: Alyssa Stone / Northeastern
Convenings and Collaborations
Global Policy Influence and Environmental Governance
Global Dialogues on Environmental Governance
Led by Professor Maria Ivanova, the Global Environmental Governance Project spearheaded a multilateral dialogue on environmental governance at the Rockefeller Foundation’s Bellagio Center in Italy. This convening brought together government officials, practitioners, and scholars worldwide to discuss the role of small states in global environmental governance, positioning Northeastern at the heart of international environmental policy discussions. As a result of the Bellagio Dialogue, the Global Environmental Governance Project team partnered with the Present & Future Institute, a non-profit created by former Ambassador of Grenada to the UN, Keisha McGuire, to convene a series of dialogues with UN Ambassadors in New York. These discussions focus on enhancing multilateral processes and improving global responses to contemporary challenges, underscoring the Policy School’s role in shaping global environmental governance.
European Group for Public Administration (EGPA) Conference
The Policy School’s involvement in the European Group for Public Administration Conference further solidified its influence in global public administration and governance. Faculty members engaged in high-level discussions and presented research on public administration challenges and innovations, contributing to the development of more effective and equitable governance frameworks.
Shaping the Future of Public Administration and Urban Planning
NASPAA Conference
The Policy School’s participation in the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) Conference, including involvement in the Deans and Directors Summit convened by the Volcker Alliance, underscores our pivotal role in shaping the future of public administration education. Faculty members, including Professors Maria Ivanova, Linda Kowalcky, Ted Landsmark, Neil Kleiman, and Cristina Stanica, led and participated in sessions focused on integrating equity and sustainability into public administration curricula and sharing best practices with peers from around the world. This ongoing engagement highlights the School’s commitment to collaboration and leadership in preparing the next generation of public service leaders.
Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning (ACSP) Conference
Policy School faculty made significant contributions to the ACSP Conference by presenting cutting-edge research on urban planning. Professor Moira Zellner showcased her participatory modeling platform, highlighting its potential to address urban growth and climate change challenges. Other presentations by Professors Cara Michell, Lily Song, Gavin Shatkin, and Joan Fitzgerald explored themes such as psychogeography, anti-displacement initiatives, and equity in urban climate action. These contributions demonstrate the School’s commitment to advancing the field of urban planning through innovative research and community engagement.
Left to right: Ted Landsmark, Maria Ivanova, Cristina Stanica, Michele Rosenthal, Linda Kowalcky
Faculty Excellence Faculty Excellence
Kimberly Lucas Recipient of Sasaki Design Grant and Civic Engagement Award
Professor Kimberly D. Lucas, along with her co-Principal Investigator, Taylor Cain, Chief of Staff at the Boston Housing Authority (BHA), successfully completed their year as Sasaki Design Awardees. Their project, ‘EarlyEducatorSpace 2.0,’ developed an innovative process for BHA residents, particularly caregivers of young children, to collaboratively design green and open spaces in their housing developments. Professor Lucas’s exceptional civic leadership was also recognized with the Bruin Excellence in Civic Engagement Award, which honored her contributions as a distinguished UCLA alumna.
Ted Landsmark Recipient of Urban Edge Legends Award and Excellence in City Building Award
Professor Ted Landsmark was honored with the Urban Edge Legends Award at the organization’s 50th Anniversary Gala in May. Urban Edge, a nonprofit focused on community and family empowerment through affordable housing development, recognized Professor Landsmark’s outstanding contributions to urban revitalization. Additionally, he received the Norman B. Leventhal Award for Excellence in City Building, a prestigious recognition for civic leaders and innovators who have significantly influenced the development of our built environment.
Maria Ivanova Recipient of Global Green Mentor Award
Professor Maria Ivanova was honored with the Global Green Mentor Award, acknowledging her remarkable dedication and contributions to advancing sustainability education. This award highlights her leadership in fostering a more environmentally conscious future through innovative academic and policy initiatives.
Nasim Baghban Ferdows Recipient of APHA Award for Research on Dementia and Healthcare Access
Professor Nasim Baghban Ferdows was awarded the Rural and Environmental Research Award by the Aging & Public Health Section of the American Public Health Association (APHA) for her groundbreaking paper “The Effect of Physician Supply on Prevalence of Dementia in Rural and Urban Areas.” Her research sheds light on the disparities in healthcare services between rural and urban communities, particularly the challenges in diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in rural areas, where there is a critical shortage of primary care providers.
Five Policy School Faculty Awarded FY25 Tier 1 Awards
Professors Kimberly Lucas, Laura Kuhl, Moira Zellner, Sara Constantino, and Tiana Yom were awarded Northeastern’s FY25 TIER 1 Seed Grant/Proof of Concept Program grants. This highly competitive program provides grants of up to $50,000, fostering the formation of multidisciplinary teams to explore new and innovative research directions.
Books
Why SNAP Works: A Political History—and Defense—of the Food Stamp Program
Professor Christopher Bosso published Why SNAP Works: A Political History—and Defense—of the Food Stamp Program (University of California Press, 2023). The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) represents the nation’s largest government effort for helping low-income Americans obtain an adequate diet. In his book, Professor Bosso explores how SNAP, formerly the food stamp program, evolved from a Depression-era effort to use up surplus goods into America’s foundational food assistance program and the nation’s most important poverty alleviation effort.
Introduction to Human Services and Social Change: History, Practice, and Policy
Professors Lori Gardinier, Emily Mann, Matthew Lee, and Simmons University School of Social Work Professor Lydia Ogden published Introduction to Human Services and Social Change: History, Practice, and Policy (Oxford University Press, 2023). It combines theory, research, and contemporary learning science to engage students in service-learning, case studies, and the exploration of identity, diversity, structural inequality, and professional ethics in human services.
Autographic Design - the Matter of Data in a SelfInscribing World
Professor Dietmar Offenhuber published Autographic Design - the Matter of Data in a Self-Inscribing World (MIT Press, 2023). Autographic design is a method of making data collection accountable through material traces, an approach inspired by the work of grassroots scientists, environmental activists, and amateur forensic investigators.
Lynne Rienner Publishers launched The Policy and Practice of Governance book series in association with the Policy School.
Professor Maria Ivanova is the series editor.
Left to right: Moira Zellner, Kimberly Lucas, Laura Kuhl
Student Impact
Today’s Policy School students are tomorrow’s changemakers. The School is preparing the next generation of innovators to tackle the complex policy challenges of a rapidly shifting world.
Kennedy School Fellowship
PhD candidate Sushant Kumar joined Harvard Kennedy School as a Visiting Fellow in the Department of Science, Technology and Society. Sushant presented his work at the 2023 Science and Democracy Network meeting at the Kennedy School.
Environmental Fellowship
PhD student Johan ArangoQuiroga participated in the Environmental Fellowship Program (EFP) at Yale. At the Center for Biological Diversity, Johan worked on a Just Transition project, in which he wrote a brief outlining policies, legislation, and actions to increase energy accessibility and affordability, as well as actions to hold fossil fuel companies and utilities accountable.
Policy School Students at COP28 in Dubai
Three Northeastern University PhD students, Istiakh Ahmed, Maddie Craig-Scheckman, and Olga Skaredina, represented the Policy School at COP28 in Dubai. Istiakh Ahmed co-organized and presented at a side event entitled “Money + Rule: Towards the operationalization of the loss and damage fund under the UNFCCC.” During this session, he shared insights derived from a recently published Nature article he co-authored with Professor Laura Kuhl and PhD student Johan Arango-Quiroga. The article emphasized the urgent need for swift and pragmatic climate finance solutions, drawing on lessons learned from the Green Climate Fund.
Global Youth Environmental Assembly
PhD student Olga Skaredina played a prominent role in the Global Youth Environment Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya, held as an associated event of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6). This event gathered more than 400 young leaders from around the world. Olga delivered a compelling opening address on behalf of the Children and Youth Major Group to UNEP, advocating for intergenerational equity as a guiding principle in multilateral processes and empowering youth as agents of change. Additionally, she moderated a session on Youth Engagement in Science-Policy Interfaces and served as a panelist in a session on Youth Engagement in Multilateral Environmental Agreements.
Below: PhD in Public Policy students Istiakh Ahmed and Maddie Craig-Scheckman
Student Impact
Multilateral Environmental Agreements Workshop in Rwanda
PhD student Olga Skaredina participated in a capacity-building workshop on implementing Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) in Kigali, Rwanda. The workshop, co-organized by the Law Division of the United Nations Environment Programme and the Rwanda Environment Management Authority, brought together national focal points of MEAs and government experts working on biodiversity and chemicals and waste clusters from nine countries in East Africa and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
United Nations Action Weekend
PhD student Gerardo Gentil participated in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Action Weekend and the Global People’s Assembly in New York City. Gerardo was a speaker at the Feminist Economy Session where he talked about the connections among women, youth, and indigenous peoples in water decision-making processes to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
International Adaptation Futures Conference in Montreal
At the Adaptation Futures conference in Montreal, PhD student Istiakh Ahmed moderated a session delving into the intricacies of loss and damage and also presented research on the politics of climate finance. PhD student Carmella Uwineza presented on debt swaps for the advancement of climate justice.
Capstone Project for Environmental Justice Policy School Advisory Committee member Greg King collaborated with three Master in Public Administration students—Hiovanni Gonzalez ‘23, Claren Copp-LaRocque ‘23, and Nicholas Pietrinferno ‘23—on their Capstone project. He helped the students develop an Environmental Justice Impact Scoring system to help prioritize environmental projects in Massachusetts.
AASHE 2023 Sustainability Award
PhD students Alaina Kinol, Elijah Miller, Yutong Si, Hannah Axtell, Ilana Hirschfeld, Sophie Leggett, and Prof. Jennie C. Stephens were honored with the 2023 Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) Sustainability Award in Campus Sustainability Research for their work on “Climate Justice in Higher Education.” This award recognized their commitment to advancing sustainability within academic institutions.
Clockwise from top: Alaina Kinol, Yutong Si, Jennie C. Stephens, Elijiah Miller
Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning (ACSP) Conference
PhD student Vivek Mishra presented at the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning (ACSP) conference on elite informal settlements in Delhi, India and their claims to property rights and substantive citizenship.
Early Childhood Agenda Convening
PhD student David Jefferson and Professor Kimberly Lucas attended the first Early Childhood Agenda Spring Convening, where Dr. Lucas was a featured panelist. David worked with Dr. Lucas in documenting Civic Research Agendas: the Early Childhood Agenda, which started as a pilot at the 2022 BARI Conference.
Lux. Veritas. Virtus. Award
Master of Public Administration alumna and PhD student Claren Copp-LaRocque was among the inaugural recipients of Northeastern’s Lux. Veritas. Virtus. Society Award. Given to graduate students in their final year of study, this award recognizes outstanding graduate students in Boston and throughout Northeastern’s Global Campus Network.
Community Connections
Reinventing the Student Experience
Under the leadership of Associate Director for Academic Operations Michele Rosenthal, Policy School students enjoyed a range of new student programming initiatives beginning in Fall 2023. The enhanced student experience, which is expressly tailored to meet the needs of a graduate student population, features offerings including academic planning discussions, weekly Career Thursdays, PhD Happy Hours, Director Dialogues, Alumni and Public Service Panels, and Coffee and Conversation events.
Helping Young Adults with Cancer Navigate Higher Education
Associate Director of Academic Operations Michele Rosenthal presented “Navigating College and Graduate School and Cancer” at the 20th Annual Young Adult Cancer Conference at Dana-Farber Cancer Research Institute. This community conference is open to people treated for cancer as young adults and their caregivers and clinicians. It provides opportunities for the community to converse, network, and build relationships.
Opening Dialogues on Ethnic Identity and Civil Strife
Professor Matt Lee led 14 Northeastern undergraduates on a 30-day Dialogue of Civilizations entitled “Ethnic Identity and Conflict in Croatia and Bosnia.” Students explored what happened during the breakup of former Yugoslavia in the 1990s, how those events and memories contribute to persisting tensions in the region, and what intervention techniques for reconciliation and healing are possible.
Making Data Accessible to an Array of Communities
Big Data for Cities—a course that introduces students to the skills of urban informatics through the analysis of real-world data— hosted a presentation session modeled on a science fair. The students presented teaching cases that demonstrated the value of publicly available data for understanding community issues and the skills necessary to do so.
Cultivating a Spirit of Community at Town Halls
Students from a range of Policy School programs shared their perspectives and questions at a Town Hall hosted by Policy School Director Maria Ivanova. Although they came from many different places of origin—Canada, China, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Ghana, Myanmar, Nigeria, Russia, and Rwanda—the participants invoked common themes: the importance of not navigating Northeastern in isolation, the need for on-campus opportunities to engage with peers, and a desire to belong to a vibrant Policy School community.
Building Skills to Serve Diverse Communities
Master in Public Administration students Maina Wachira ‘24, Margaret McCroby ‘24, Chareese McIntosh ‘25, Fatuma Mohamed ‘24, and Tayte Adderley ‘25 participated in the 2024 NASPAA Host Nations Simulation on Refugee Migration, which helped students develop crucial skills by role-playing complex refugee and migration scenarios from a governmental and public service perspective. Professor Cristina Stanica served as a judge for the competition. The scenarios challenged students to deliver effective and equitable policies, consider the diverse needs of various populations, and interpret data to evaluate and reorient policy decisions, and practice inclusive decision-making.
Policy School End-of-Year Celebration
Creating Models of Civil Discourse
Professor Jonathan Kaufman, director of Northeastern’s School of Journalism, and Professor Jill Abramson, former editor of the New York Times, moderated a powerful and emotionally charged Open Classroom public discussion on the war in Israel and Gaza. The session, co-sponsored by the Policy School, drew a packed in-person and virtual crowd of students and guests. It represented a model of how to engage in civil and nuanced discourse on complex, volatile issues.
Showcasing Graduates’ Culminating Achievements
The Policy School’s Fall and Spring Capstone Symposia sessions gave student teams an opportunity to showcase to a broad audience the work they completed with local community partners. The Capstone is a required graduate course in which students, in collaboration with the School’s public service and non-profit partners and students, integrate research, policy, and practice in real-world projects.
Harnessing Digital Technologies for Community Collaborations
PhD in Public Policy student Dipa Desai presented as part of a panel on “Digital Platforms to Reflect Communities” at the Spring 2024 NULab Conference, which showcased the work of faculty, students, and research collaborators on the theme of “Digital Technologies for Community Collaborations.”
Policy School students, staff, faculty, alumni, Advisory Committee members, colleagues, family, and friends joined together to honor Class of 2024 graduates at an End-of-Year celebration. The event featured awards, music, and dancing. Zainab Salbi, a humanitarian, writer, and social entrepreneur, who has dedicated her life to women’s rights, freedom, and environmental sustainability, delivered the keynote address.
Media Mentions
In 2023-2024, Policy School faculty contributed their expertise to journals and media outlets across the U.S. and throughout the world.
Policy School Programs and Directors
BA in Human Services
Lori Gardinier
Master of Public Administration
Linda Kowalcky
Master of Public Policy
Linda Kowalcky
MA in International Affairs
Julie Garey
MS in Resilience Studies
Daniel Aldrich
MS in Engineering and Public Policy
Matthew Eckelman
MS in Environmental Science and Policy
Benjamin Dittbrenner
MS in Urban Informatics
Moira Zellner
MS in Urban Planning and Policy
Gavin Shatkin
PhD in Public Policy
Dan O’Brien
Learn more about the Policy School
Advisory Committee Members
Nick Alexander
Michael Altman
Steve Crosby
Steve Farrell
Bob Fishman, Chair
Joe Geller
Elizabeth Henry
Heather Hume
Kenneth Kimmell
Gregory King
Doug Landry
Lauren Liss
Kyle Warwick
Michelle Wyman, Chair Elect
Administration
Maria Ivanova Director
Linda Kowalcky Associate Director
Michele Rosenthal Associate Director of Academic Operations
Beverly Ballaro Communications Strategy and Student Success
Ruth Thermidor Graduate Program Administrator
Natalia Stone Program Manager (Undergraduate)
Centers and Initiatives
Boston Area Research Initiative (BARI)
Community to Community (C2C)
Dukakis Center for Urban and Regional Policy
Global Action for Policy (GAP)
Global Environmental Governance Project (GEG)
Social Impact Lab
This spiral symbol, interspersed throughout the Impact Report, represents the Policy School’s dynamic energy and its commitment to fostering balanced policy solutions from the local to the global scale.
