Interview with IOP Fellow Jim Ramstad
by Samina Uddin, Features Editor on April 29, 2009 in Features
This past semester, Congressman Jim Ramstad (R-MN; 1990-2009) was a fellow at HKS’s Institute of Politics (IOP). During his years in Congress, Ramstad was a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Health Subcommittee, and Oversight Subcommittee. He also co-chaired the Addiction Treatment and Recovery Caucus, as well as the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus, Law Enforcement Caucus, and Medical Technology Caucus.
While at the Kennedy School, Ramstad led a study group at the IOP called The Policy and Politics of Addiction and Mental Illness, which examined the problems of untreated mental illness and addiction in the context of health care reform. The Citizen sat down with Ramstad to discuss different health care reform models and their potential impact on access to care for mentally ill patients, national drug control policy, the veterans’ health system, and his work in Congress on behalf of the mentally ill. Read more
Health as a National Security Issue
by Samina Uddin, Features Editor on April 29, 2009 in Features
“A healthy society is truly a more secure society,” said IOP Fellow Dr. Howard Zucker during a recent session of his study group, “Health as a National Security Issue.”
The former assistant director-general and representative of the director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Zucker is also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Council for Emerging National Security Affairs. Read more
A New Girls’ Network: An Interview with Massachusetts State Representative Lori Ehrlich, D-Marblehead
by Samina Uddin, Features Editor on April 15, 2009 in Features
After years as a successful, high profile environmental advocate, in 2004, Lori Ehrlich (MC/MPA ’05) enrolled at the Kennedy School, seeking to learn more about energy and environmental policy. Her participation in the school’s From Harvard Square to the Oval Office Program inspired a new path, however – one that led her all the way to the State Legislature. In a March 4, 2008 special election, Ehrlich defeated her opponents to win the election to represent the 8th district (Essex).
In an interview with the Citizen, Ehrlich reflects on her time at the Kennedy School, her rise to power, and the unique challenges confronting women seeking to enter politics. Read more
One Year Out
by Samina Uddin, Features Editor on March 11, 2009 in Features
Seven HKS ’08 alums reflect on their Kennedy School experience and how it got them to where they are today.
- The Writing Life by Karim Bardeesy (MPP ‘08)
- Reaching out to Americans in Tough Economic Times by Kirsten Broderick (MPA ‘08)
- From HKS to the PM’s Strategy Unit by John McDermott (MPP ‘08)
- Lessons Learned by Ben Renda (MPA/MBA [Sloan] ‘08)
- Changing the World, One Country at a Time by Tamas Landesz (MC/MPA ‘08)
- Beyond Private Sector Considerations by Waqar Ali (MPA/MBA [Sloan] ‘08)
- Combating Terrorism at the Defense Intelligence Agency by Jacky Hardy (National Security Fellow ‘08)
An Interview with Nijla Mumin
by Samina Uddin, Features Editor on February 25, 2009 in Features
Nijla Mumin contributed 11 photographs to HKS’s Black History Month silent auction. Her photographs are currently on display on the ground floor of the Taubman Building.
In the following interview, Mumin discusses her recent filmmaking projects, her photography, and offers her perspective on Black History Month. Read more
Inauguration Day 2009
by Samina Uddin, Features Editor on February 11, 2009 in Features
Five Kennedy School students share their experiences at the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States.
- Our Inauguration by Sam Sanders (MPP ‘09)
- A Walk Into Washington by Mary E. Smith (MPP ‘10)
- A Reporter’s Day Off by Kristen Green (MC/MPA ‘09)
- Red Cups and Wine Glasses by Kaneisha Grayson (MPA/MBA ‘10)
- The Official Staff Ball: Still Work to Be Done by Thomas Gill (MPP ‘09)
For SPSC, Public Service a Priority
by Samina Uddin, Features Editor on December 10, 2008 in Features
The Student Public Service Collaborative (SPSC), HKS’s newly-formed, student-run public service organization, has begun meeting regularly to discuss priorities and coordinate upcoming events. In addition to providing HKS students with opportunities for direct service, SPSC is working with the administration to identify and confront barriers to student involvement in public service both during and after their time at the Kennedy School. Read more
Searching for the Next Cambridge Superintendent
by Samina Uddin, Features Editor on December 10, 2008 in Features
• Talking with Luc Schuster (MPP ’10), Cambridge School Committee
How did you become involved in the search for the next superintendent of Cambridge Public Schools?
I am currently in the middle of my second two-year term on the Cambridge School Committee. I first ran for School Committee in 2005. I grew up in Cambridge, attended Cambridge public schools, and during summers in college, taught summer school in Cambridge. After college, I taught for one year at Cambridge’s King Open Elementary School, and then for three years in a Boston GED program for high school dropouts. I then decided to run for School Committee. At the time, there were no teachers on the Committee. Read more
HKS at Its Greenest
by Samina Uddin, Features Editor on October 29, 2008 in Features
• Introducing the HKS Green Team
• Harvard’s first Sustainability Celebration
• On the trail: the candidates’ positions on energy and the environment
• An HKS’s student’s social enterprise: D-Power
Introducing the HKS Green Team
by Samina Uddin, Features Editor on October 29, 2008 in Features
The HKS Green Team held its first meeting of the year last week, drawing an impressive turnout among staff and students. Dara Olmsted, the Harvard-wide Green Teams Coordinator, chaired the meeting, during which the team discussed ways for making HKS more sustainable. KSSG President Ben Polk was also on hand to offer suggestions and listen to ideas. Read more
