Administration and Faculty
Administration
Dean Shannon Hader
Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs Rachel Sullivan Robinson
Interim Associate Dean for Graduate Education Thespina Yamanis
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education Robert Adcock
Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Student Affairs Rose Shinko
Senior Director of Finance and Administration Sandra Martinez
Senior Director of Graduate Enrollment Management Jia Jiang
Senior Director of Marketing & Communications Kay Summers
Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships & Career Services Lee Ullmann
Director of Academic Affairs Jason Glass
Graduate Enrollment Management Rebecca Coughlin (Associate Director), Sarah Goldberg (Associate Director), Matthew Forrester, Elizabeth Kelaher, Angel Martin
Department of Environment, Development, and Health Lauren Carruth (Chair), Victoria Kiechel (Undergraduate Faculty Coordinator), Judith Shapiro (Director of Graduate Studies), Shea Lamanna (Department Manager)
Department of Politics, Governance, and Economics Carl LeVan (Chair), Sarah Cleeland Knight (Undergraduate Faculty Coordinator), Jennifer Poole (Director of Graduate Studies)
Department of Peace, Human Rights, and Cultural Relations Robert Kelley (Undergraduate Faculty Coordinator), Claudine Kuradusenge-McLeod (Director of Graduate Studies), Beth Hanak (Department Manager)
Department of Foreign Policy and Global Security Piper Campbell (Chair), Boaz Atzili (Undergraduate Faculty Coordinator), Garret Martin (Director of Graduate Studies), Heather McGann (Department Manager)
Department of Global Inquiry Patrick Thaddeus Jackson (Chair), Sola Adeleye (Department Manager)
Online Programs Claudia Hofmann (Executive Director), Amy Newell (Director of Operations), Marisa Rivero (Assistant Director), Claudia Blount (Assistant Director), Matthew Brown (Operations Coordinator), Mary Curby (Advisor), Nora Thompson (Faculty Support Coordinator)
International Programs Christine Gettings (Director), Suzanne Fils-Aime, Jessica Meagher
Graduate Academic Advising Marley Crutcher (Director), Michael Rosenberger (Assistant Director), Melanie Brisse, Heidi Holland, Jessica MacArthur, Tariq Nadim
Undergraduate Academic Advising Matthew Kaulius (Director), Justina Grubor (Assistant Director), Ubah Aden, Terran Davis, Clare Harwood, Jason Keller, Jesse Nelson, Aisha Tewfik, Julie Wickham
Career Development Sara Jones (Director), Claudia Coscia (Assistant Director), David Fletcher
Development and Alumni Relations Carolina de Luca (Interim Assistant Dean)
Office of Research Kathryn Agoston (Associate Director)
Director of Pre-College Programs Jeanne Guerrero
Executive Director of Antiracist Research and Policy Center Sara Clarke Kaplan
Director of MA Experiential Learning Stephanie Fischer
PhD Program Director James Goldgeier
Faculty
The diversity of the full-time faculty members at SIS in terms of academic disciplines and professional experience, both in the United States and abroad, exemplifies the multidisciplinary and cross-cultural aspects of international affairs. Bringing transformational research into their classrooms, faculty members use a variety of interactive approaches such as simulations, case studies, and media in their teaching. The school regularly appoints adjunct and visiting professors and benefits from their expertise in the field of international affairs. As a center of public dialogue, the school brings leading experts from around the world to address emerging issues in international affairs.
Full-Time Faculty
Distinguished Professor A. Acharya
Distinguished Professor and Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies A. Ahmed
Abdul Aziz Said Chair in International Peace and Conflict Resolution M. Abu-Nimer
Mohammed Said Farsi Chair of Islamic Peace E. Thompson
Professor M. Abu-Nimer, H. Bartilow, D. Bernhofen, C. Chin (Dean Emerita), D. Cogburn, K. Conca, M. De Jesus, M. Egan, D. Fisher, J. Fox, C. Gallaher, M.A. Giraudy, J.M. Goldgeier (Dean Emeritus), L.W. Goodman (Dean Emeritus), R. Henning, P.T. Jackson, C. LeVan, N.S. Levinson, J. Ribot, R. Robinson, S. Silvia, S. Snyder, M. Taylor, P. Williams, J. Young, Q. Zhao
Provost Associate Professor G. Graddy-Lovelace, J. Tama
Associate Professor B. Atzili, C. Brunel, S. Campbell, L. Carruth, K. Darden, D. Esser, T. Gutner, A. Hart, J. Lee, J. Matlon, S. Murray, J. Poole, M. Ranganathan, J. Rovner, C. Rudolph, S. Shepler, S. Tankel, A. Wanis-St. John, S. Weiner, T. Yamanis
Term Associate Professor J. Bachman, S. Nicholson, G. Ziv
Assistant Professor W. Akoto, S. Badrinathan, S. Bates, A. Boesenecker, S. Bradshaw, E. Cohn, A. Davis, A. Fontes, R. Herr, J.R. Kelley, J. King, S.C. Knight, S. Mokhtari, S. Onder, D. Schneider, D. Sheet, R. Shinko, J. Torigian, K. Tuomi, Y. Zhang
Hurst Senior Professorial Lecturer and Distinguished Diplomat in Residence E.A. Wayne
Hurst Senior Professorial Lecturer P. Campbell, R. Koopman, R. Tomasko
Senior Professorial Lecturer R. Adcock, G. Aftandilian, O. Dibinga, D. Eralp, S. Fischer, H. Gregorian, A. Hardig, C. Hofmann, G. Martin, R. Rowden, T. Sajjad, M. Schroeder, R.D. Simpson
Professorial Lecturer J. Crock, M. Durrani, S. Freeman, S. Johnson, V. Kiechel, G. Lambright, N. Moland, M. Morosini-Dominick, K. Nuamah, D. Ohls, A. Pashayan, J. Rancatore, B. Sims, A. Tileva, A. Wilson-McDonald
Changemakers Postdoctoral Fellowship in International Studies S. Agarwal, J. Vasquez Arreaga
Emeriti Faculty
University Professor Emeritus/a J. Mittelman
Professor Emeritus/a G. Adams, P. Brenner, R. Broad, F. Cheru, D.L. Clarke, S.D. Cohen, R. Fisher, J. Goldstein, M. Hammer, G.L. Harris, M. Kahler, L.L. Lubrano, C. Lusane, S. Mardin, R. Persaud, F.J. Piotrow, J.M. Richardson, V. Samarasinghe, C. Schneider, M.P. Walker
Associate Professor Emeritus/a W. Kincade
Distinguished Diplomat in Residence Emeritus/a S. Shelton-Colby
Centers, Institutes, and Other Scholarly Initiatives
SIS offers opportunities for study through specific projects and research centers dedicated to various themes in international affairs:
- Accountability Research Center
- Antiracist Research and Policy Center
- ASEAN Studies Initiative
- Bridging the Gap
- Center for Security, Innovation, and New Technology (CSINT)
- Forum for Climate Engineering Assessment
- Institute for Carbon Removal Law and Policy
- Institute on Disability and Public Policy
- Pakistan Women’s Entrepreneurship Program
- Robert A. Pastor North American Research Initiative (NARI)
- Transnational Challenges and Emerging Nations Dialogue (TRANSCEND)
- U.S.-Pakistan Women’s Council
SIS International Programs
SIS offers a joint undergraduate degree with Ritsumeikan University in Japan. SIS also offers dual master’s degree programs with several renowned universities abroad. Students participating in joint and dual degree programs gain the knowledge, skills, and practical experience to excel in careers in both countries.
Ritsumeikan University, Japan
SIS and Ritsumeikan University (RU) collaborate on several different programs for students. In addition to the long-standing dual degree program, SIS and RU offer a joint Global International Relations (BA) . This undergraduate joint degree reflects the cultural and geographical reach as well as the expertise and strengths of both universities. Joint degree students fulfill degree requirements for both institutions and spend two full academic years at each university. In addition, the Graduate School of International Relations at Ritsumeikan University has partnered with SIS to offer an innovative dual master’s degree program for students who want to take an interdisciplinary and multicultural approach to their research and education. The program, established over twenty years ago, is the first of its kind between a Japanese university and an American university. Students gain cross-cultural competency while earning two master’s degrees in international relations.
Korea University, Korea
The Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS) at Korea University (KU) offers one of the premier international relations programs in Asia. Its curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary studies as part of the school’s commitment to multicultural awareness and promoting international interaction. GSIS and SIS have partnered to offer a dual master’s degree program through which students can take advantage of the numerous opportunities offered at both schools, study with top experts in the field, and gain a new perspective on international relations from the Korean Peninsula.
University for Peace, Costa Rica
SIS and the University for Peace, Costa Rica, jointly offer a program in natural resources and sustainable development, where students study at and receive degrees from both American University (International Affairs (MA): Natural Resources and Sustainable Development ) and the United Nations-affiliated University for Peace. It is the first graduate degree program in which students can learn about environmental and development policies from the perspectives of scholars, practitioners and residents of the Global South and Global North. The two-year program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary for managing eco-development issues in a global context and provides them with opportunities to establish ties that bridge the North-South divide.
Special Programs
Global Scholars Program
The Global Scholars Program is a rigorous undergraduate course of study designed for outstanding entering first-year students who are passionate about creating meaningful change in the world. The program allows students to complete the International Studies (BA) degree in three years by enrolling in classes during the summer terms. The program is structured to enable students to pursue traditional study abroad and internship opportunities during their time at AU, and to participate fully in the student life of the campus. Through a carefully planned sequence of courses, Global Scholars students: enroll in SIS core course requirements as a cohort; have the opportunity to study abroad during the summer between their first and second years of study; are eligible to apply financial aid to the summer terms for coursework and/or study abroad; receive support from program faculty, staff, and SIS alumni with career/internship placement; and undertake community service and additional activities outside of the classroom as a cohort.
Madrid SIS Scholars
AU Cornerstone: Madrid SIS Scholars is a first semester fall program offered exclusively to Cornerstone students planning to major in the School of International Service. This program allows students to get a jump start on their international education. Students experience international culture firsthand while the onsite staff and faculty guide and support them. Madrid Scholars take SISA-103 International Migrations and Refugee Crises: Forced to Flee (3) and SISU-106 First Year Seminar (3) together in the fall while abroad at the AU Madrid Center.
Olson Scholars
The Olson Scholars Program recognizes high-performing first-year students with a passion for social science research as they enter their sophomore year at SIS. Named for William Olson, a former Dean of the School of International Service whose dedication to mentoring students was renowned, the program provides a structured, challenging, and supportive curricular environment within which Olson Scholars have the opportunity to pursue advanced research work in international studies under the close supervision of a member of the SIS faculty. Olson Scholars take SISU-206 Introduction to International Studies Research (3) together in the fall, and SISU-306 Advanced International Studies Research (3) together in the spring.
SIS Honors
The SIS Honors program is designed for a small group of high-performing students who seek a highly challenging academic program. These students take honors colloquia and honors supplements to upper-level SIS courses and complete a six-credit senior honors project in close consultation with SIS faculty. Students graduate with SIS Honors upon successful completion of degree and program requirements, and both a cumulative and major GPA of 3.50 or higher.
Said Peace Scholars
The Said Peace Scholars Program is designed for a small cohort of students to advance the life mission of Professor Abdul Aziz Said through the study of peace, conflict resolution and interfaith dialogue.
Students enroll in a specially designated section of SISU-205 Intercultural Communication in the fall semester and in a specially designated section of SISU-210 Peace, Global Security, and Conflict Resolution in the spring semester. Students also participate in various thematically relevant extracurricular events in addition to a spring Alternative Break Program organized in furtherance of Professor Said’s work on conflict resolution and/or interfaith dialogue.
Special Opportunities
Numerous school-wide opportunities are available for undergraduate and graduate students. These include study and internship opportunities around the world and in the international capital city of Washington, DC, including within the federal government. These opportunities help SIS students link theory and practice actively and build skills that are critical in an increasingly global world.
Student Organizations
SIS prides itself on a long tradition of student activism, and a variety of opportunities are in place for current students who wish to be involved in activities outside of the classroom. Student groups have helped to endow scholarships, served as a catalyst for changes in the curriculum, and assisted disadvantaged groups in the United States and overseas. Volunteering with various organizations offers students a chance to make a lasting impact in the life of the school, the university, and the community, and to enhance their experience at the school. AU/SIS student organizations include:
- AU Graduate Leadership Council
- AU Negotiation Project
- AU Student Government
- Council for International Economic Relations
- Culture and Communication Student Forum
- Global Politics Student Association
- International Development Program Student Association
- Model G20
- Model United Nations
- No Lost Generation
- SIS Graduate Student Council
- SIS Undergraduate Student Council
- Society for Ethics, Peace & Global Affairs (SEPGA)
- Society for Global Environmental Politics
- Society for Peace and Conflict Resolution (SPCR)
- Student Organization for African Studies
- USFP Student Association
SIS hosts the Alpha Chapter of the Honor Society for International Studies, Sigma Iota Rho.
Practica
The SIS Practicum is designed to give master’s students real world experience in project management and consulting while preparing them for careers after they graduate. Students work in teams with institutional partners that include U.S. and international government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector to conduct policy and program analyses, among other projects. Students draw on their substantial research, analytical, and methodological training to prepare final oral and written analyses and recommendations. The practica are led by faculty mentors who are experts in the particular field of practice. Students also participate in hands-on workshops designed to enhance their project management, client relations, oral presentation, and report writing skills.
Career Development
The SIS Office of Career Development supports the school’s juniors, seniors, graduate students, and alumni through all stages of career development. Its mission is to create innovative, collaborative, and effective opportunities for career education and mentorship to prepare students for life after college. The office supports a tailored, comprehensive set of career services and runs a full calendar of events and programs to link students with alumni and other industry contacts. Visit www.american.edu/sis/career to learn more.
Student Publications
SIS students have many other opportunities to develop and apply their research skills. Students write for publications, including the undergraduate research journals Clocks and Clouds and The World Mind and the SIS graduate Journal of International Service.
Events
SIS hosts hundreds of meetings, lectures, and other events that attract experts from around the world and engage students in formal and informal discussions. The school also sponsors numerous co-curricular opportunities including the undergraduate International Dinner and the graduate semi-formal event, the International Affair. Career-oriented workshops greatly enhance opportunities for successful learning and networking.
Model United Nations and Model G20
SIS sponsors a top-ten ranked Model UN program. Students practice their negotiating and diplomatic skills in dynamic simulations hosted by some of North America’s premier universities. The Model UN program also organizes two annual conferences for high school students that are held at SIS. In 2017, SIS launched the first US-based Model G20 initiative.
Educational Resources in Washington, DC
The school’s location in Washington, DC, enables an in-depth study of international affairs in a highly relevant context. The school’s location affords opportunities for hands-on learning with academic credit through internships in international, government, private sector, and non-governmental organizations with international interests. Qualified graduates and undergraduates have the opportunity to enroll in courses at any of the 15 member institutions in the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area. By taking advantage of consortium offerings, students may greatly enrich their programs of study, particularly in specialized interest areas and language study. Washington, DC, offers unique research facilities including the Library of Congress, the National Archives, and various other libraries maintained by government agencies, public and private international organizations, and other area universities.
Study Abroad
SIS Abroad offers the opportunity for graduate and undergraduate students to study abroad and gain full American University course credit. All students are encouraged to learn and work in another culture. Aside from dual-degree options, SIS Abroad programs include the following:
SIS Semester Abroad
Students spend one semester enrolled in courses alongside their international counterparts and are fully integrated in student life at the host campus. Students who attend these programs find that the coursework and research they undertake abroad complements their SIS studies and enriches their knowledge of a regional or functional concentration.
SIS Summer and Intersession Programs
SIS organizes a number of short-term, faculty-led, experiential programs abroad each summer and intersession. Program locations change each summer and intersession to reflect the needs and interests of the student population. The detailed curricula of the programs make them ideal for students who wish to concentrate on a specific region or topic area. Each offers ample opportunity to interact with local and regional leaders, conduct field research, and participate in challenging internships.
AU Abroad
SIS undergraduate students may also participate in AU Abroad , which offers over 100 programs around the world. For more information, visit: auabroad.american.edu.
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