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Alum Receives Critical Acclaim for Debut Novel

Lara Prescott, SPA/BA '04

During her time at American University's School of Public Affairs, Lara Prescott, SPA/BA ’04, knew she wanted to be a writer. After years of working on political campaigns after graduation, she took a risk, quit her “day job” and devoted herself to blending her love of politics with her love of writing fiction. Flash forward to the present day and her new book, The Secrets We Kept, has sold for $2 million at auction and has been optioned to be made into a movie.

Videos

Former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort’s conviction on charges related to his foreign lobbying has drawn attention to the fact that the Department of Justice has not been aggressive enough in enforcing the law covering foreign lobbyists.

SPA Distinguished Professor James Thurber talks about the consequences of not enforcing the law and why it needs an upgrade.

number 14 among 285 public affairs schools

by U.S. News & World Report's 2020 Public Affairs Graduate School Rankings

number 3 for Public Management and Leadership, up from #6

by U.S. News & World Report's 2020 Public Affairs Graduate Schools Rankings

number 5 for International Global Policy & Administration

by U.S. News & World Report's 2020 Public Affairs Graduate School Rankings

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Research · November 18

Evidence Shows Costly Superfund Cleanup Worth the Investment

New research by SPA Assistant Professor Claudia Persico finds prenatal exposure to hazardous waste contamination during pregnancy can significantly hurt a child’s development and performance in school.
Full Story

Research · November 18

The Hard Questions: The Center for University Excellence Will Confront Pressing Issues in Higher Ed

Provost Emeritus Scott Bass and Professor Cynthia Miller-Idriss will lead a new research-based center.
Full Story

Research · November 6

To Stay or Go? Why and How Millennials Job Hop by Sector

SPA Associate Professor Khaldoun AbouAssi conducted a study about how millennials switch jobs by sector.
Full Story