In partnering with creative graduate students, the EW Research Fellows program leverages their research to create greater real world challenges through EW programs and beyond.
A few past fellows & their work:
Michael Abrams, MA
Quality of Life Index
Michael Abrams holds a Master’s in Mathematical Sciences from Johns Hopkins, which he attended on a University Fellowship, and a Bachelor’s, cum laude, from Hunter College. Other awards include being a finalist in the National Merit Scholarship competition, and a participant in Argonne National Laboratory’s Undergraduate Research Program.
Michael’s work history includes employment as a Systems Engineer in the Advanced Research Divisions of both Westinghouse and Sperry Corporations, where he helped develop next-generation radar systems for the US military. In addition, he has contributed to research efforts at Columbia University’s School of Public Health and the Stevens Institute of Technology. Michael has served as an Adjunct Professor in the Statistics Department at Florida International University. With extensive experience tutoring college students in Mathematics, Statistics and Physics, Michael is currently a Course Developer and Adjunct Professor at Excelsior College, a virtual university and will start a MA in Individualized Studies program at Goddard College (Environmental Studies Concentration) in Fall 2007.
The caviat for Michael becoming EW’s first official Research Fellow centers on his study of ‘quality of life’ (QOL), as a means of transcending the conventional approach of gauging social development by total economic output (GDP). Ultimately, he intends to use his work as the basis of a textbook for a college-level course that would introduce students to the subject of ‘QOL and Its Measurement’. The Earth Charter reminds us that, “We must realize that when basic needs have been met, human development is primarily about being more, not having more.” Precisely what this ‘being more’ entails, at the level of society, will be the focus of his work at Goddard College, which EW will apply to its like-minded evaluation system.
Stefan Cibian
Global Policy System Designer for The Global Summit
When Stefan got involved with EW, he was obtaining his PhD from Central European University, Department of International Relations and European Studies, studying the relationship between International Relations and Foreign Aid. From his related research and his own innovative vision, Stefan created a new system of policy making that remains a hallmark of this biennial event, dedicated to direct engagement of those most affected by policies made to at the table. In addition to his PhD, Stefan holds a BA in Political Science (Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania), a BA in Law (1st of December University, Alba Iulia, Romania) as well as an MA in Public Policy (Central European University, Budapest, Hungary).
Marie Stojimirovic, MS
Collaboration Research & Evaluation
After completing a Master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Rouen in France, Marie won a full scholarship to come to the US and serve as a full-time intern with EW. Her creative brilliance designing the Partners In Empowerment international survey and evaluation will not only advance EW's global impact but the social science of multi-sector collaboration. To further support data analysis and monitor long term success of 1pie.org (multi-sector collaboration portal) upon her return to France, Marie will remain on EW’s global team as an honored EW Research Fellow.
Marie’s own words describe her best: “I contacted Empowerment Works because I am very interested by international solidarity and holistic approach and thinking that the economy should totally be embedded in the society instead of controlling it!
Moreover, I feel very concerned by the different types of domination which still persist at every level of our world (between social classes, “races”, countries, sexes, etc.) and are especially materialized in our economic system.
That’s why I plan to get a PhD in sociology to analyse and understand the different practices in sustainable development and explain what’s working or not and why.
Like EW, I believe that educational institutions and researchers have a role to play in social change because they have the skills and the knowledge to understand and explain the reality. Building partnerships between international institutions could be very effective to have a global and accurate view of populations’ needs and programs' results. To build these precious partnerships and organize different research programs, I will collaborate with EW and do my best to contribute to this process.”
