Alumni News & Announcements

Alum: In Opioid Policy, One Size Does Not Fit All
Oct 12, 2018
Congress is addressing the opioid epidemic through new legislation intended to increase access to treatment using medications such as methadone and buprenorphine. Alum Bradley Stein (cohort '97) says further investments may be required to make counseling more available, increase Medicaid reimbursement for drug treatment, and reduce the stigma associated with mental health treatment.
North Korea's Actions Speak Louder Than Its Words
Oct 11, 2018
Kim Jong Un has regularly promised to denuclearize, writes alum Bruce Bennett (cohort '75), but he's been all talk. And this year, North Korea has probably built five to nine more nuclear weapons. There are steps that could make a difference if taken before the North Korean nuclear weapon threat grows any further.
How to Solve the Water Crisis in Gaza
Sep 26, 2018
Gaza has long had water and sanitation challenges, but today it's in a state of emergency. Research by alumni Shira Efron (cohort '11) and Jordan Fischbach ('04), student Rouslan Karimov ('15), and Prof. Melinda Moore finds that the crisis could be resolved through infrastructure investment, but political complications and other barriers remain.
OJT Project Leads to Decade of Research Collaboration
Sep 7, 2018
For more than a decade, alum Kartika Palar (cohort '06) and professor Kathryn Derose have been working together to reduce food insecurity among people with HIV. Student Gabriela Armenta ('15) recently joined them on a novel project in the Dominican Republic.
Alumni Evaluate Health Care Payment Reform Pilot
Aug 31, 2018
California's Global Payment Program seeks to improve health care for the state's uninsured by providing funds for both traditional and non-traditional services, settings, and providers. Alumni Jodi Liu (cohort '12) and Denise Quigley ('91) conducted a mid-point evaluation that found broad improvement.
Remembering Greg Carter, RGI's First Graduate
Aug 28, 2018
When the RAND Graduate Institute opened its doors, Gregory Carter (cohort '70) was one of the first three students. Carter passed away in July.
Tech Lab Pilot Game Encourages Political Discourse
Aug 24, 2018
New alum Claire O'Hanlon (cohort '13) created ControVersus as part of Pardee RAND's initial Tech Lab Pilot. The multiplayer card game helps people talk about politics and understand each other in a fun, nonjudgmental format. Her new website offers the game as a free download.
Potential Benefits for Most New Yorkers but No Free Lunch: Tough Decisions for Single-Payer Health Care in New York
Aug 6, 2018
A single-payer plan in New York would shift health-care spending to the state instead of private insurers, writes alum Jodi Liu (cohort '12). As with any far-reaching legislation, there are trade-offs and it is important that policymakers consider the impact of the single-payer plan in totality.
New York's Proposed Single-Payer Plan Could Expand Coverage Without More Spending
Aug 1, 2018
The New York Health Act could provide insurance to all New York State residents without increasing overall spending if administrative costs are reduced and growth in provider payment rates is restrained, according to research by alum Jodi Liu (cohort '12), student Jamie Ryan ('17), and professors Christine Eibner, Sarah Nowak, and Chapin White. New taxes, instead of premiums and out-of-pocket payments, would finance the program.
Building Resilience in an Urban Coastal Environment
Jul 31, 2018
Research by alum Jordan Fischbach (cohort '04) examines the potential effects of climate change and sea level rise on flood risk, ecosystems, and water quality in New York City's Jamaica Bay, and how flood risk can be reduced while also improving water quality, restoring habitat, and improving resilience to extreme weather events.
Findings Highlights Commencement 2018
Jun 28, 2018
The Commencement issue of Pardee RAND's alumni newsletter includes articles about our biennial celebration, an interview with the Alumni Leadership Award recipient, and a spotlight on alumni donors Jeffrey Wasserman and Ted Harshberger.
Giving Spotlight: Alumni Jeffrey Wasserman and Ted Harshberger
Jun 25, 2018
Ted Harshberger (cohort '86) and Jeffrey Wasserman ('85) have long — and strong — ties not only to Pardee RAND but to the RAND Corporation itself. Ted is the Vice President and Director of Project AIR FORCE, and Jeffrey is the Vice President and Director of RAND Health. So it is no surprise that — when it comes time to support their alma mater and their company — Jeffrey and Ted don't hesitate.
Tim Smith's Graduate Address Takes Audience on a Wild Ride
Jun 19, 2018
In his graduate address at Commencement 2018, alum Tim Smith (cohort '13) compared writing his dissertation to hitchhiking across the Southwest. Intrigued? A video and his prepared remarks are both available online.
Q&A with Alumni Leadership Award Winner Sharon Arnold
Jun 18, 2018
Sharon Arnold (cohort '85) received Pardee RAND's fourth Alumni Leadership Award during Commencement Weekend 2018. She sat down for a Q&A about her experience at the School and how her time at RAND has influenced her career, and also spoke at the Celebratory Dinner on Friday, June 15.
Adapting to a Changing Climate in Southeast Florida
Jun 6, 2018
Florida's Miami-Dade and Broward counties are vulnerable to flooding and intrusion of saltwater into drinking water. These risks are driven by sea level rise, changes in precipitation, and urban development. Alum David Groves (cohort '01) and colleagues ask, how can the region adapt?
The Case for Corequisites: What Are the Ingredients of Success?
May 23, 2018
More than two-thirds of community college students and 40 percent of four-year college students take at least one developmental education course. Alum Lindsey Daugherty (cohort '05) writes that states and colleges across the United States are experimenting with innovative approaches to developmental education to improve graduation rates for struggling students.
Five Thoughts on Jerusalem, Gaza, and What's in Between
May 15, 2018
Dozens of people have been killed and over 2,000 injured in protests in the Gaza Strip along the border with Israel. Alum Shira Efron (cohort '11) says continued clashes are expected until the fundamental problems of the strip are solved, including the governance vacuum, the Palestinian Authority-Hamas rift, and the conflict with Israel.
Sharon Arnold to Receive Fourth Alumni Leadership Award
May 3, 2018
Noting her leadership in government and contributions to the nonprofit world, Dean Susan Marquis announced that Sharon Arnold (cohort '85) will receive Pardee RAND's fourth biennial Alumni Leadership Award at the school's Commencement and Alumni Weekend on June 15.
Understanding Government Telework
Apr 23, 2018
Alum Bonnie Triezenberg (cohort '14) contributed to a report examining U.S. government practices regarding working from home, the benefits of these policies, and their possible challenges—especially for employees in the national security sector.
Now's the Time to Act on Guantanamo
Apr 16, 2018
Most of the 41 terror suspects who remain confined at Guantanamo Bay are unlikely to be released from custody any time soon. Alum Jack Riley (cohort '88) says moving their trials from U.S. military to U.S. federal judges could give detainees their long-denied day in court and possibly help deliver judicial closure to the families of terror victims.
How the U.S. Air Force Could Retain More Female Officers
Apr 10, 2018
Women are underrepresented among the Air Force's senior leadership compared with their representation among the lower ranks. Alum Stefan Zavislan (cohort '14) helped conduct focus groups with female officers, which identified key retention factors and potential ways to improve Air Force policies and programs to address female officer retention.
Alum Bennett on Preparing for U.S.-North Korea Talks
Apr 5, 2018
Upon returning from his 114th trip to the Korean Peninsula, alum Bruce Bennett (cohort '75) offered his analysis of recent developments in North Korea and suggested strategies for putting pressure on Kim Jong-un at the negotiating table.
How Do Calorie Labels Affect Consumers?
Mar 28, 2018
In standard restaurant settings, displaying the calorie content on restaurant menus slightly reduced the amount ordered without affecting consumer satisfaction, according to research by alum Helen Wu (cohort '07), students Crystal Huang ('13) and Cameron Wright ('12), and Prof. Roland Sturm.
Understanding and Shaping the Ongoing Korea Crisis
Mar 26, 2018
Upon return from his latest trip to the Korean Peninsula, alum Bruce Bennett (cohort '75) offered RAND and Pardee RAND alumni and supporters his analysis of the recent appearance of a détente between North and South Korea. He also explained U.S. options for shaping the ongoing crisis and suggest new opportunities to pressure North Korea toward denuclearization.
After Brexit: Economic Prospects for the UK, EU, and U.S.
Mar 20, 2018
The United Kingdom is scheduled to leave the European Union in March, 2019, but there is uncertainty about whether the break will be "soft," "hard," or even final. At this RAND/Pardee RAND Alumni Association event in RAND's Washington office, Ambassador Charles Ries and RAND senior economist Howard Shatz discussed Brexit options and how they could impact U.S. economic, foreign policy, and security interests.