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]

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

[UCR School of Public Policy @ucrspp]

On April 22nd, students, faculty, and community members joined us for an insightful talk by Dr. Jens Ludwig as part of the School of Public Policy’s 10-year anniversary celebration and Provost’s Lecture Series

As the behavioral economist and Director of the University of Chicago Crime Lab, Dr. Ludwig shared evidence-based solutions for gun violence from his new book, Unforgiving Places. He challenged traditional narratives, showing how research and fieldwork can help solve one of America’s most complex issues. 📊

Missed the lecture? Watch the recording here ➡️https://t.co/f92Yyzfwvt

#UCR #PublicPolicy #UCRSPP #ProvostLecture #PolicyTalks #InlandEmpireEvents #SPP #UCRSchoolofPublicPolicy

[UCR School of Public Policy @ucrspp]

Don't miss out, our Presley Center seminar is happening TOMORROW❗

Join us to hear from Dr. Danielle Rudes, Professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology at Sam Houston State University, as she presents her research on the mental health and safety impacts experienced by those living and working in restricted housing units across the United States. 🏠

Register now! ➡️https://t.co/uASTF3uhZo

[UCR School of Public Policy @ucrspp]

Please note that the time and location have changed for our upcoming Presley Center seminar! The event will now be taking place from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on May 6th in INTN 4023.

Dr. Danielle Rudes, professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology at Sam Houston State University, will be presenting her research on the mental health and safety impacts of those living and working in restricted housing units in the United States. 🏠

📅 Wednesday, May 6th
🕑 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
📍 INTN 4023

Register here! ➡️ https://t.co/uASTF3uhZo

#ucr #ucrspp #schoolofpublicpolicy #publicpolicy #presleycenterseminar #housing #restricted #mentalhealth #safety

[UCR School of Public Policy @ucrspp]

Scenes from our SPP Career Fair at the Alumni & Visitors Center! 👔📲

Last Tuesday on April 28th, UCR students interested in public service had the opportunity to explore career opportunities within the public sector and community-serving work. Students in attendance got to learn more about what government agencies actually do, the services they provide, and the pathways needed to embark on these careers!

A special thanks to California Secretary of Government Operations Nick Maduros for joining us for a recording of Policy Chats, and to California Deputy Secretary Sally Ly for giving a talk on how to apply for state jobs.

"The career fair was a really engaging opportunity to network with people that work in areas of policy that I'm interested in. I was able to meet a lot of people and have great conversations!" - Carson Schmahl, BA/MPP ‘26

#UCRSPP #SPP #SchoolofPublicPolicy #UCRSchoolofPublicPolicy #UCR #CareerFair #Policy #Government

[UCR School of Public Policy @ucrspp]

Introducing another member of our outstanding faculty… Dr. Ran Wei, Associate Professor of Public Policy! 📊

Her work leverages data science to examine the intersections of climate change, pediatric health, and emergency medical accessibility. 🏥

Read the full feature to learn more about how Dr. Wei is helping healthcare systems adapt and keep emergency care accessible for all children: https://t.co/AAR5gzwloA

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

[UCR School of Public Policy @ucrspp]

Interested in how diplomacy shapes global security and reduces nuclear risk?

In our latest episode of Policy Chats, Thomas Countryman, former Assistant Secretary of State for International Security and Nonproliferation, joins host Dori Pham to discuss arms control, nuclear policy, and the realities of diplomacy in practice. From the Iran nuclear deal to the challenges of negotiation and global cooperation, he explores how policymakers balance ideal goals with real-world constraints in today’s international system.

🎧 Check out the episode on Spotify!

#UCRSPP #SPP #SchoolofPublicPolicy #UCRSchoolofPublicPolicy #UCR #PolicyChats #Spotify #Podcast #PublicPolicy #InternationalRelations #Diplomacy #GlobalSecurity #ArmsControl

[UCR School of Public Policy @ucrspp]

For our April alumni spotlight, we’d like to introduce Marcia Castro ‘22, Community Forestry Program Manager at TreePeople!🌲

Marcia uses the courses she took at the School of Public Policy to bridge the gap between community needs and broader environmental systems. Her work focuses on making sure that the voices of communities, especially those most impacted by urban heat and pollution, are reflected in how TreePeople’s projects are developed and implemented.🏡

We’re proud of Marcia and her contributions to help impacted communities thrive!

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

[UCR School of Public Policy @ucrspp]

Please note that the time and location have changed for our upcoming Presley Center seminar! The event will now be taking place from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on May 6th in INTN 4023.

Dr. Danielle Rudes, professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology at Sam Houston State University, will be presenting her research on the mental health and safety impacts of those living and working in restricted housing units in the United States. 🏠

📅 Wednesday, May 6th
🕑 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
📍 INTN 4023

Register here! ➡️ https://t.co/uASTF3uhZo

#ucr #ucrspp #schoolofpublicpolicy #publicpolicy #presleycenterseminar #housing #restricted #mentalhealth #safety

[UCR School of Public Policy @ucrspp]

❗Happening TOMORROW at 4 p.m. in the UCR School of Medicine❗

Don't miss hearing Dr. Ludwig discuss his research and fieldwork completed in Chicago, regarding gun violence in America and the strategies that can be taken to resolve it.

RSVP here: https://t.co/XhffrD4juS

[UCR School of Public Policy @ucrspp]

What if progress on gun violence doesn’t require solving every other social challenge first?

Join us for a conversation with Dr. Jens Ludwig, author of “Unforgiving Places,” where he will discuss how most gun violence in America is not what we have long thought, and that the solutions can be simple.

✅ Register to save your spot: https://t.co/Mb0fiiRj3B