University of Southern California

David Gastwirth is a Ph.D. Candidate at the USC Price School of Public Policy. A fourth-year student in the Public Policy & Management program, David chose the Price School because it offered a unique blend of faculty and coursework focused on urban and nonprofit sector issues. He is interested in applying theories and methods from political science and sociology to questions of critical concern to scholars and practitioners of public and nonprofit management. His research focuses on the development and management of nonprofit organizations, and understanding how actors and organizations operating beyond the formal institutions of government influence policymaking and participate in governance, particularly at the local level. He has a strong substantive policy interest in education – both K-12 and postsecondary education.

Prior to moving to Southern California, David served as the Assistant Director of the Hart Leadership at Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy. In that role he helped develop and manage political engagement and social entrepreneurship programs. Additionally, he taught a freshman seminar on public leadership. David completed his Ed.M. at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and received his B.A. in Public Policy Studies from Duke University. He has worked for several education policy organizations, including the Institute for Higher Education Policy, Council for Aid to Education, and New England Board of Higher Education. David hopes to pursue a career that allows him to connect research and teaching about civic engagement, local government, and nonprofit management with the world of practice. His favorite website is: www.cnn.com.