CSTEPS students continue impact after graduation at new institutions

We are proud to announce that this spring (2020), two of the Center’s PhD students will graduate and continue their great contributions to the field at new institutions as Assistant Professors. Fengxiu Zhang (right), accepted a position at George Mason University in Washington, DC and Leonor Camarena (left) will be at Rutgers University in New Jersey.

Broadly, Camarena’s research focuses on aspects of representation and diversity in public and nonprofit management. She is looking forward to the opportunity to continue this research in a department with wonderful colleagues and students.

Zhang’s research focuses on organizational adaptation to extreme events, decision making under risk and uncertainty, and technology in government.  Zhang says that she is excited to continue research in resilience with the newly founded Center for Resilient and Sustainable Communities at George Mason University, as well as opportunities to expand research in adaptation and asset management in the transportation sector.

Zhang and Camarena say that they will both miss the guidance and mentoring that CSTEPS and the School of Public Affairs has provided during their time in the program. They are both grateful for the experience and support they received from Dr. Welch and Dr. Feeney and the opportunities to collaborate with other students and faculty at CSTEPS.

We will miss them at the Center but wish them the best in their new roles and look forward to future collaborations.

You can learn more about all of our alumni here.