UCR School of Public Policy

The official Twitter account of the School of Public Policy (SPP) at the University of California, Riverside.

[UCR School of Public Policy @ucrspp]

Congratulations to MPP alumnus Jesse Melgar '17 on his appointment as Vice President of Government Affairs at The California Endowment (@CalEndow)! 👏

In this newly created leadership role, Jesse will have an important voice in guiding regional investments and advancing health equity in communities across California.

We're proud to see our alumni making an impact on our region and beyond!

[UCR School of Public Policy @ucrspp]

Our second faculty feature of the summer is Dr. Ken Baerenklau!

A founding faculty member of the UCR School of Public Policy, Dr. Baerenklau's research focuses on water resource economics and policy, helping develop evidence-based solutions to environmental challenges.

Read more about Dr. Baerenklau: https://t.co/1Yklrv2JWv

#UCRSPP #WaterPolicy #PublicPolicy #UCR

[UCR School of Public Policy @ucrspp]

Our first faculty feature of the summer is Dr. Kevin Esterling!

Dr. Esterling researches how AI can strengthen civic engagement, improve communication between researchers and policymakers, and encourage more informed public dialogue.

Learn more about his work ⬇️

https://t.co/XrUR6mUd9c

#UCRSPP #UCR #PublicPolicy #AI

[UCR School of Public Policy @ucrspp]

🌟 Congratulations to our July Alumni Spotlight, Jessica Barriga (MPP '20)!

As Senior Economic Development Policy Advisor for the Office of Mayor Matt Mahan, Jessica is helping shape policies that support a vibrant and prosperous San Jose while putting community priorities first.

[UCR School of Public Policy @ucrspp]

Our next faculty feature is Distinguished Professor of Public Policy, Dr. Bruce Link!

Dr. Link is widely recognized for his contributions to sociology, public health, and psychiatric epidemiology, with research focusing on health inequalities, social stigma and mental illness, and the relationship between mental illness and violent behaviors. 🧠📚

In 2026, Dr. Link became the first professor from the UCR School of Public Policy to receive the UCR Faculty Research Lecturer Award, recognizing his distinguished record in research. He was also named to Clarivate Analytics’ Highly Cited Researchers list for the tenth consecutive year. 🏆

#UCRSPP #SPP #SchoolofPublicPolicy #UCRSchoolofPublicPolicy #UCR #10YearAnniversary #Celebrating10Years

[UCR School of Public Policy @ucrspp]

Our first faculty feature is Professor of Public Policy and Associate Dean and Chair, Dr. Richard Carpiano!

Dr. Carpiano is widely recognized for his work in public health policy, with research focusing on vaccine hesitancy, increasing vaccine uptake, and strengthening preparedness for future pandemics. 🌎🩺

He also co-chairs The Lancet Commission on "US Societal Resilience in a Global Pandemic Age," bringing together international experts to identify ways to build stronger and more resilient communities in the face of future public health threats. 📚

Swipe through the images to learn more about Dr. Carpiano’s research, leadership, and impact! 

#UCRSPP #SPP #SchoolofPublicPolicy #UCRSchoolofPublicPolicy #UCR #10YearAnniversary #Celebrating10Years

[UCR School of Public Policy @ucrspp]

During his time at the School of Public Policy, Bryan Ho (B.A. Public Policy '18) developed the communication, emotional intelligence, and relationship-building skills that continue to help him in his professional role.

Today, he works with hospitals across the country to navigate healthcare policy and reimbursement changes while improving patient quality and experience through analytical insights.

Bryan is inspired by the next generation of public policy leaders and believes that even local efforts by students can create a lasting impact for their communities and future generations.

We’re proud of Bryan and his contributions to advancing healthcare through public policy! 🩺

[UCR School of Public Policy @ucrspp]

Goodbyes are always so difficult but we’re grateful for the memories we shared. 💙

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! ✨ We are so proud of you and excited to see what you will accomplish!

See your best friend or classmate? Leave a comment to help us congratulate the new graduates! 🎓

Find all the pictures from Commencement on our Facebook page.

#UCR #SPP #PublicPolicy #MPP #Graduation

[UCR School of Public Policy @ucrspp]

On June 14th, the School of Public Policy held an End-of-the-Year Celebration to mark the conclusion of our milestone 10-Year Anniversary! 🎓✨

We had the honor of recognizing the Class of 2026, our scholarship recipients, and our graduating Dean’s Ambassadors and student assistants at this event. Congratulations to all the honorees! 🎊

A special thank you to our keynote speaker, Dr. Andrew Light, and our incredible student speakers, Katie Chau (BA '26) and Niloofar Shoja Razavi (MPP '26) for their remarks.

#UCRSPP #SPP #SchoolofPublicPolicy #UCR #SPP10Years

[UCR School of Public Policy @ucrspp]

Our End-of-Year Celebration is happening in less than two weeks! Join us as we celebrate the graduating class of 2026, scholarship recipients, and our 10-year anniversary. Register by Monday, June 8th so you don’t miss out!

Register Here ➡️https://t.co/qaFMO8LCjA

[UCR School of Public Policy @ucrspp]

You're invited to our End-of-Year Celebration, where we will be honoring our 10-year anniversary, scholarship recipients, and the graduating class of 2026! 🌍

The celebration will include a keynote address from Andrew Light, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Energy for International Affairs, as well as remarks from student speakers Katie Chau and Niloofar Shoja Razavi.

📅 June 14th, 2026
🕑 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
📍 Culver Center of the Arts

➡️ Register: https://t.co/IdfPk4GbWK

[UCR School of Public Policy @ucrspp]

Bruce Link, Distinguished Professor of Public Policy and Sociology, has been named the 2026 UCR Faculty Research Lecturer! This is the highest honor that the Academic Senate bestows to a faculty member with an exceptional record of scholarly research and achievement. 📚

Professor Link is also the first School of Public Policy professor to receive this award and will be giving a lecture to commemorate the award during the next academic year. Congratulations Professor Link! 👏

#UCRSPP #SPP #SchoolofPublicPolicy #UCRSchoolofPublicPolicy #UCR #Award #Congratulations #Research

[UCR School of Public Policy @ucrspp]

Thank you to former Ambassador and now Distinguished Professor in the Practice of Diplomacy, Barbara Bodine for taking the time to sit down with us for an upcoming episode of Policy Chats, our student-run podcast!

Prior to joining Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service, she spent over 30 years in the U.S Foreign Service improving Arabian Peninsula and greater Persian Gulf issues. She held many positions during her time in Yemen, Kuwait, Iraq and the USS Cole crisis, including Deputy Principle Officer during the Iran-Iraq war, Deputy Chief of Mission during the Iraqi invasion, the Senior State Department Official in Iraq, and many more. 💼

➡️ Stay on the look out for this episode’s release!

#UCRSPP #SPP #SchoolofPublicPolicy #UCRSchoolofPublicPolicy #UCR #PolicyChats #Spotify #Podcast #InternationalRelations #Government #USAmbassador #ForeignService

[UCR School of Public Policy @ucrspp]

For our next May faculty feature, we have Dr. Sharon Oselin, Professor of Public Policy & Sociology and Director of the Presley Center of Crime & Justice Studies! 𓍝

Her research encompasses crime, the criminal-legal system, prisoner re-entry, deviance, gender and sexuality, sex work, urban conditions, organizations and culture. 🏛️

To learn more about Dr. Oselin’s work, including research on the experiences of re-entry among formerly incarcerated peoples, click this link ➡️https://t.co/OmgkB3OLd7

#UCRSPP #SPP #SchoolofPublicPolicy #UCRSchoolofPublicPolicy #UCR #10YearAnniversary #Celebrating10Years

[UCR School of Public Policy @ucrspp]

Our next May faculty feature is Professor of Public Policy, Dr. Cecilia Ayón!

Dr. Ayón is widely recognized for her contribution in research focusing on how immigration policies and sociopolitical climates shape the health, well-being, and family processes of Latinx immigrant communities.🏡

To learn more about Dr. Ayón’s research, click this link➡️https://t.co/LSBLJr8nYY

#UCRSPP #SPP #SchoolofPublicPolicy #UCRSchoolofPublicPolicy #UCR #10YearAnniversary #Celebrating10Years

[UCR School of Public Policy @ucrspp]

Don’t forget to RSVP for our End-of-Year Celebration coming up on June 14th where we will be honoring our 10-year anniversary, scholarship recipients and the graduating class of 2026! You won’t want to miss it, register by clicking the link below!

Register Here➡️https://t.co/IdfPk4GbWK

[UCR School of Public Policy @ucrspp]

You're invited to our End-of-Year Celebration, where we will be honoring our 10-year anniversary, scholarship recipients, and the graduating class of 2026! 🌍

The celebration will include a keynote address from Andrew Light, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Energy for International Affairs, as well as remarks from student speakers Katie Chau and Niloofar Shoja Razavi.

📅 June 14th, 2026
🕑 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
📍 Culver Center of the Arts

➡️ Register: https://t.co/IdfPk4GbWK

[UCR School of Public Policy @ucrspp]

How is artificial intelligence shaping the future of democratic communication? 🏛️

Professor Kevin Esterling recently served as a guest on “The Reference Desk” podcast to discuss his research on large language models, civic discourse, and the role that emerging technologies and AI play in how people communicate in online democratic spaces. 💻

Listen now! ➡️ https://t.co/PRohmHkl4m

#UCRSPP #SPP #SchoolofPublicPolicy #UCRSchoolofPublicPolicy #UCR #PoliticalScience #Spotify #AI #Politics

[UCR School of Public Policy @ucrspp]

For our May alumni spotlight, we’d like to introduce Imad Jobah, Region Manager of Practice Innovation at Dignity Health Medical Foundation! 🏥

During his time at the School of Public Policy, Imad learned the importance of building solutions that create greater access and opportunity for underserved communities.

His work today allows him to lead initiatives that will focus on improving healthcare access, care coordination, and patient experience.

We’re proud of Imad and his significant contributions to improve the healthcare system! 🩺

#UCRSPP #SPP #SchoolofPublicPolicy #UCRSchoolofPublicPolicy #UCR #10YearAnniversary #Celebrating10Years

[UC Riverside @UCRiverside]

Tony Grubesic, a professor of public policy at UCR, talks about the little-known federal Essential Air Service. More in @NPR ⬇️ @ucrspp https://t.co/521wl8B5mj

[UCR School of Public Policy @ucrspp]

You're invited to our End-of-Year Celebration, where we will be honoring our 10-year anniversary, scholarship recipients, and the graduating class of 2026! 🌍

The celebration will include a keynote address from Andrew Light, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Energy for International Affairs, as well as remarks from student speakers Katie Chau and Niloofar Shoja Razavi.

📅 June 14th, 2026
🕑 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
📍 Culver Center of the Arts

➡️ Register: https://t.co/IdfPk4GbWK