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Research Opportunities
Students and faculty are invited to apply for summer research support.
Celebrating 40 Years
Arthur Levitt Public Affairs Center
A resource for students interested in developing the knowledge and skills necessary to address persistent social problems in innovative and ethical ways
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Events
View the schedule of upcoming events and workshops.
Architects of Change
See what Levitt post-graduate fellows like Arthur Williams are doing to build a better world.
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Our History
In 1980, the family of long-time public servant Arthur Levitt established the center in his honor.
History of the Center
Spotlight
Law & Justice Programming
The Racial Justice and Criminal Justice in Oneida & Herkimer Counties Series continues.
Strengthening Communities
SHECP Internship
Students integrate classroom study of poverty with internships and co-curricular activities.
At the Levitt Center, students combine academic knowledge with practical skills as they engage in public affairs through research, service-learning, lectures, discussion, and practice. Learn more about our programs and how they will help you develop the important qualities of a “changemaker” — creativity, understanding, self-awareness, and empathy.
2020-21: Celebrating the Levitt Public Affairs Center's 40th Anniversary!
Levitt research grants provide funding for students and faculty to conduct collaborative research.
Our social innovation initiatives introduce students to the creative problem-solving processes, and they nurture creative solutions to social problems.
A wide array of speakers allows students to make the connection between the classroom and policies enacted in the real world.
Our community-engaged learning opportunities help students understand the needs and circumstances of others and to work ethically with them.
The Levitt Center provides curricular support opportunities for faculty (course development grants, public opinion polls, workshops, etc.).
Our transformational leadership programming helps students develop the kinds of skills that are essential for creating personal and societal change.
Important Dates & Deadlines
Sun, Mar 14
Sun, Apr 18
Course Development Grant Applications due (faculty only)
Sun, Apr 18
Research and Innovation grant applications due (faculty only)
Sample Projects
Faculty Research
Strangers in a Strange Land
Associate Professor of Art Robert Knight examines the indefinite detention of asylum seekers in the UK.
Summer Research Group
New World Nature and Diversity Loss
Assistant Professor of History Mackenzie Cooley with Thomas Anderson ’20, Antton De Arbeloa ’21, Elizabeth Atherton ’22, Kate Biedermann ’22, and Kayla Self ’21
Summer Research Group
Addressing Climate Change
Ravena Pernanand ’21, Rachel Pike ’21, and Abigail Roller ’21, advised by environmental studies prof. Aaron Strong, worked with local townships on climate issues.
Summer Research Group
Why Women Don’t Code
Associate Professor of Economics Emily Conover with Carter Steckbeck ’22
Summer Research Group
Anti-Poverty Work in Utica
Lecturer in Sociology Meredith Madden with Elizabeth Greene ’22, Donna Le ’21, Riley Nichols ’21
Summer Research Group
Survey of Russian Elites
Government professors Sharon Rivera and Erica DeBruin with Max Gersch ’23, Alex Nemeth ’22, Jenny Tran ’22, and Muhammad Umer ’21
Interracial Couples’ Navigation of Homes and Schools
Sociology professor Mahala Stewart with Kaja Bielecka ’21, Jahmali Matthews ’22, and Hope Medina ’21
Summer Research Fellow
Framing the Fight
Peter Case ’21, advised by Assistant Professor of Government Heather Sullivan, studied Chile’s history of social movements and fall 2019 protests.
Summer Research Group
Archaeology as Advocacy
Assistant Professor of Anthropology Colin Quinn with Elizabeth Arnold ’22, Aiden Leahey ’22, and Isabella Roselli ’22
Summer Research Fellow
Reconceptualizing Environment
Sara Jadbabaie ’21, advised by environmental studies prof. Aaron Strong, investigated online regenerative climate politics and activism in the COVID-19 era.
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Research and Discovery
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