Alumni News & Announcements

Student-Alumni Research Finds Unintended Consequences of Policies that Punish Pregnant Women for Substance Use
Nov 13, 2019
Joshua Russell-Fritch (cohort '16), alum Bradley Stein ('97), and RAND colleagues found that state policies that punish pregnant women for illicit substance use are associated with higher rates of infants being born with opioid withdrawal.
Student-Alum Research Finds Australia Is Not Prepared to Deliver an Alzheimer's Treatment
Nov 11, 2019
As in other countries, the Australian health care system has limited capacity to rapidly move a future treatment for Alzheimer's disease from approval into wide clinical use. Sangita Baxi (cohort '17) and Jodi Liu ('12) find that could leave thousands of older people without access to transformative care if such a breakthrough occurs.
APPAM Conferences Feature Students, Alumni
Nov 7, 2019
Dozens of students, alumni, faculty, and RAND colleagues are participating in the 2019 APPAM Fall Conference in Denver, and six students and alumni attended the 2019 APPAM International Conference in Barcelona this July.
Alumni Event: Expanding Education and Employment Opportunities for Inmates and Ex-offenders
Sep 21, 2019
Contributions to the Alumni Impact Fund are helping RAND researchers advance education opportunities and career prospects for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals. All alumni are welcome to join us for a brunch discussion with Professors Lois Davis and Priscillia Hunt and other current AIF recipients.
Alumni Event: Solving the Opioid Crisis
Sep 12, 2019
Alum Brad Stein (cohort '97), Prof. Beau Kilmer, and other RAND experts discussed their efforts to model the comprehensive opioid ecosystem and help reverse the tide of this critical challenge. Dean Susan Marquis moderated the discussion.
How Big Is the U.S. Market for Cannabis, Cocaine, Heroin, and Meth?
Aug 20, 2019
Americans spent about $150 billion on cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine in 2016, according to research by alum Greg Midgette (cohort '09), student Steve Davenport ('15), and professor Beau Kilmer. The cannabis market was roughly the size of the cocaine and meth markets combined.
Identifying High-Performing Health Systems
Jul 24, 2019
When it comes to identifying high-performing health systems, alum Cheryl Damberg (cohort '89) finds, what you measure and how you measure it matters.
Is Canada Prepared to Meet Demand for Alzheimer's Treatment?
Jul 18, 2019
If a treatment to slow the progression of Alzheimer's became available in 2021, hundreds of thousands of patients in Canada could progress to Alzheimer's dementia while on wait lists unless health care capacity is increased. Student Sangita Baxi (cohort '17) and alumni Jodi Liu ('12) and Jakub Hlavka ('14) explore challenges and suggest potential solutions.
Improving the Child Welfare System to Respond to the Needs of Substance-Exposed Infants
Jul 17, 2019
To realize the gains envisioned by recent legislation, alum Bradley Stein (cohort '97) says the Administration and Congress should prioritize additional funding to modernize our child welfare system to meet the unique needs of families affected by substance misuse.
When an Autonomous Vehicle Is Hacked, Who Is Liable?
Jul 12, 2019
Hacks on autonomous vehicles could lead to deaths, property destruction, ransomware attacks, or data theft. Maya Buenaventura and Pavan Katkar (both cohort '14) worked with RAND colleagues to explore several scenarios that illustrate the policy challenges facing the civil legal system, insurers, and others.
Alum Arthur Brooks Tells Americans to Answer Hate with Love
Jul 8, 2019
Arthur Brooks (cohort '96) spoke at a RAND event to discuss his new book, Love Your Enemies: How Decent People Can Save America from the Culture of Contempt. He stressed that we don't have to disagree less, but we do have to disagree better.
Designing a Capability Development Framework for Australian Home Affairs
Jun 24, 2019
Australia's Department of Home Affairs is responsible for domestic security, law enforcement, migration, and the movement of goods across Australia’s borders. Alum Jon Wong (cohort '12) and colleagues analyzed which capability development lifecycle management framework best suits the department's needs for an enterprise-level approach to investment decisions.
RAND & Pardee RAND Alumni Summer Reunion
Jun 20, 2019
Come reunite with alumni from all eras. The summer reunion in Santa Monica is a chance for RAND and Pardee RAND alumni to connect with colleagues past and present, reminisce with friends, and meet the newest members of the community.
Sexual Minority Disparities in Opioid Misuse
Jun 12, 2019
Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adults, particularly bisexual women, are at significantly higher risk than heterosexuals for prescription opioid misuse and heroin use, according to research by alum Bradley Stein (cohort '97). Disparities in rates of opioid misuse among LGB adults are concerning given elevated risks of overdose.
Findings Highlights Donors, Scholars, and Transitions
Jun 5, 2019
The spring issue of our quarterly newsletter showcases the many ways we support our students, alumni, and faculty. From scholarships to mentoring, and networking opportunities to continuing education — even summer reading recommendations for fun and personal development — Pardee RAND has it all.
Arthur Brooks Shares Life Lessons in Book Talk
May 21, 2019
The problem in American public life today isn't excessive anger, said alum Arthur Brooks (cohort '96), at his book talk last month; it's a culture of contempt. His book Love Your Enemies explores how we can find love in our hearts — not just civility and tolerance — for those with whom we disagree.
Three Takeaways from RAND's Analysis of News in the Digital Age
May 14, 2019
How has the rise of digital technology shaped the way that news is presented? Student Mahlet Tebeka (cohort '17), alum Steve Davenport ('15), and professors Jennifer Kavanagh and Bill Marcellino conducted an empirical study to find out. Here's what you need to know from their findings.
Addressing the College Completion Problem
May 9, 2019
More than half of students who enter college end up dropping out without ever completing a degree or certificate. Time and money are wasted without the benefits of a degree. Alum Lindsey Daugherty argues that, while colleges are experimenting with novel techniques to boost completion rates, strategic support from the federal government could further these efforts.
Blockchain: The Second Decade
Apr 16, 2019
Blockchain, which was invented in 2008, is now in its second decade. To help students and alumni understand the implications of this disruptive technology, Career Services welcomed four experts in a discussion of potential commercial and regulatory approaches.
Spending Estimates Under Medicare for All
Apr 10, 2019
Under a Medicare for All plan similar to some proposals being discussed in Congress, alum Jodi Liu (cohort '12) and Prof. Christine Eibner calculate that total health expenditures would be an estimated 1.8 percent higher in 2019, relative to the status quo. While this is a small change in national spending, the federal government's health spending would increase substantially, rising by an estimated 221 percent.
(Grey's) Anatomy of an Opioid Crisis
Apr 8, 2019
More than 130 Americans die every day after overdosing on opioids. So when one of the most popular shows on network television made opioid misuse a major plotline, alum Bradley Stein (cohort '97) and Prof. Sarah MacCarthy paid especially rapt attention to how the show would present this public health crisis. How closely would it mirror reality? Pretty closely, for the narrow slice of the opioid crisis it addressed.
Alum Examines Why Women Leave the Coast Guard, and What Could Encourage Them to Stay
Mar 29, 2019
Women leave the Coast Guard at higher rates than men. Through focus groups, alum David Schulker (cohort '07) uncovered concerns about work environment, career issues, and personal life matters. More inclusive personnel policies could help the Coast Guard address these concerns and retain more women.
Seismic Safety Upgrades May Cost California Hospitals Billions
Mar 28, 2019
David Catt (cohort '16) worked with alum Daniel Waxman ('10) and several professors to estimate the cost to California hospitals of seismic retrofitting. The upgrades could cost between $34 billion and $143 billion statewide, but one-third of hospitals are already in some form of financial distress.
How Has the Israel-China Relationship Evolved?
Mar 21, 2019
Since the early 2000s, relations between China and Israel have expanded in areas like diplomacy, trade, investment, construction, educational partnerships, scientific cooperation, and tourism. Alum Shira Efron (cohort '11) and student Emily Haskel ('16) examine what challenges the relationship poses for Israel and the United States.
Decision Support Tool for the San Francisco Bay-Delta Levees Investment Strategy
Mar 7, 2019
The Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta faces complex and varied flood risks. Possible investments to mitigate these risks are numerous, and they will affect Delta risks differently. A decision support tool developed by alum David Groves (cohort '01) and student James Syme ('18) aided the Delta Stewardship Council in developing a Delta Levees Investment Strategy.