Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs

🖼️ New : Explore “The Dusk Series,” a stunning permanent art exhibit by Brown University alum Pamela Petro ’82, now on display in Stephen Robert ’62 Hall.

Through innovative camera techniques, Petro’s digitally unaltered images capture the blurred beauty of dusk. Each piece feels less like a photo and more like a vibrant, hand-crafted pastel, reflecting landscapes from Wales to the Amazon.

Stop by 280 Brook Street to experience this unique perspective on imagination and nature’s liminal moments!

Learn more about "The Dusk Series": https://ow.ly/NbhZ50UBSgL

Top News from Watson Stories of 2024 | #1 Watson Equity in Policy Scholars Program has launched and is open for applications

Applications are now open for the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs Master of Public Affairs Program's Equity in Policy Scholars program, a scholarship and leadership development program designed to increase the diversity of backgrounds and perspectives in public policy making.

Read the full story: https://ow.ly/ewS450Utpni

Top News from Watson Stories of 2024 | #2 Students in IAPA senior seminar offer policy recommendations to California city facing a prison closure 📝

After a semester of intensive research, students in Professor John Eason's senior seminar offered the city of Blythe, California advice on how to best navigate a looming prison closure.

Read the full story: https://ow.ly/4Tkx50Uto7u

Top News from Watson Stories of 2024 | #3 MPA Program welcomes diverse new student cohort 👋

Brown University’s Master of Public Affairs Program recently welcomed its latest class to its rigorous one-year program. The new students bring their diverse life experiences and interests to a vibrant and dynamic learning community, where they will apply their learning to address pressing societal challenges, preparing them to be global leaders in public affairs.

Read the full story: https://ow.ly/wvlm50Utm8z

Top News from Watson Stories of 2024 | #4 New policy labs will 'turbo-charge' Watson research programs 🚀

Watson Policy Labs, a new initiative of the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs, will enhance the link between teaching, research and public outreach by addressing specific policy issues through a combination of faculty research, student training, research-based courses and public outreach.

Read the full story: https://ow.ly/G0uF50UtlVh

Top News from Watson Stories of 2024 | #5 Ten Brown undergraduates get a crash course in global affairs journalism during winter 'bootcamp' 🌎

Over winter break, ten Brown students learned the ins and outs of journalism focused on global issues and the nuances of international reporting in an evolving media landscape at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a prestigious Washington, D.C. think tank. In one week, they learned more than they could have imagined.

Read the full story: https://ow.ly/9pRS50Utlcf

Top News from Watson Stories of 2024 | #6 Three MPA students and one alumna named Presidential Management Fellows finalists 👏

Three Watson Master of Public Affairs students and one alumna were named finalists for the prestigious Presidential Management Fellows class of 2024. They are now eligible to apply for positions as fellows in the federal workforce where they hope to make an impact on a variety of public policy issues.

Read the full story: https://ow.ly/LNSp50UsE65

Top News from Watson Stories of 2024 | #7 Postdoctoral fellows reflect on their growth and accomplishments during their Watson residencies ✨📚

With their terms ending, five Watson postdoctoral fellows and one postdoctoral research associate look to continue their academic careers armed with new skills acquired in the Watson Institute's unique and robust intellectual environment.

Read the full story: https://ow.ly/Cx1A50UrOhR

Top News from Watson Stories of 2024 | #8 Graduate Program in Development fosters dialogue across disciplines

The Watson Institute's Graduate Program in Development (GPD) brings together Brown University scholars from a range of departments to think together around questions of development in ways that build on but move beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries.

Read the full story: https://ow.ly/Qzr150Up8iE

Top News from Watson Stories of 2024 | #9 DIAP course development funds help increase emphasis on diversity and inclusion in Watson's curriculum 🤝

The Watson Institute's Diversity and Inclusion Plan committee funded three faculty members in their efforts to create a greater focus on diversity and inclusion in the institute's teaching and learning.

Read the full story: https://ow.ly/rwer50Up69r

As the year comes to a close, we’re revisiting the stories that sparked conversations, celebrated achievements, and highlighted our community’s impact. Whether you missed them the first time or want to take another look, join us as we count down our top 10 News from Watson stories! 🗞️

Beginning the countdown with #10 | Watson MPA students demonstrate career readiness in Policy in Action Symposium

At this year's Master of Public Affairs Policy in Action Symposium, graduating MPA students presented on a wide range of policy issues from a variety of perspectives, in each case informed by the hands-on experience they gained working with an external organization.

Read the full story: https://ow.ly/eYB550Up4ZI

Brown's MPA 48-Hour Project: Real-World Policy in Action 🕒🌎✍

The Brown University Master of Public Affairs Program challenges students with a unique 48-hour project, simulating real-world policy deadlines. Over just two days, students gather data, analyze complex issues, and present recommendations to clients—preparing them for the fast-paced demands of careers in public affairs.

Faculty Director of the MPA Program David Blanding explains the significance of the 48-hour project: "The MPA students must do this work while balancing competing priorities of other class work, family or extracurricular commitments. This assignment simulates what these students will face in the workforce — the need to produce high-quality, timely and actionable recommendations."

Learn more: https://home.watson.brown.edu/news/news-from-watson/48-hour-project

Need to recharge? 🍪☕

Swing by Watson's study break for cookies, cocoa, coffee, and live music by Healing Through Harmony. Let Brown University’s talented student musicians bring you some joy before exams! 🎶

🗓️ Wednesday, December 11
🕐 1-3 pm
📍The Agora, 280 Brook Street

🌟Alumni Spotlight🌟 Grant Cohen ’24 MPA

Before enrolling in Brown University Master of Public Affairs Program, Grant Cohen was a partner and practice leader at CRA-Economic Development (CRA-ED), where he collaborated with nonprofit and public sector clients on technical assistance and technology-driven projects. His career as a management consultant for Fortune 1000 clients, while rewarding, led him to realize his desire to make a deeper, more meaningful impact, guiding his pivot into public service and social impact work through his studies at Brown.

"I came to this program with a very specific set of personal goals. I wanted to become a stronger writer and communicator, but most importantly, I wanted to sharpen how I approached policy problems. Watson's curriculum over-delivered in every facet, allowing me to take what I was good at and make it better."

Read more about Grant: https://ow.ly/6vnA50Uf4X2

This Thanksgiving break, let’s take a moment to reflect on the power of togetherness. We’re thankful for the Watson community, which inspires collaboration and fosters global understanding.

Wherever your path leads you this holiday, we hope it’s filled with connection, gratitude, and joy. 🍁✨

What are you most grateful for this year?