Lori A. Brainard, PhD

Professor of Public Policy & Public Administration

I work on issues dealing with communication, focusing on how ordinary people, grassroots advocacy organizations, and government agencies use the internet and social media to activate and mobilize for change and to disseminate information, conduct transactions and engage in community building and collaboration. My current research includes projects on how Millennials (including Black Millennials) use social media, and how the students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL used Twitter to organize, mobilize and advocate in the aftermath of the shooting at their school,

I grew up in the Boston area and attended University of Massachusetts/Boston and Brandeis University. At George Washington University in D.C., I teach Introduction to Public Administration and Service, Perspectives on Public Values, and a Ph.D. core course, Public Administration Literature. I have also taught Capstone, which included group-based pro-bono research projects for external clients, Legislative Management, Federal Regulation of Society, US Global Competitiveness, the Federal System, and Policy, Politics & Management.

In my free time, I enjoy reading (especially literary fiction), baking (especially cakes), and running/walking.

curriculum vitae