Our Ph.D. students study a variety of aspects of urban life. Their coursework and original research at The Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs prepares them to research, teach, and practice reflectively in positions related to urban studies and public affairs, in universities and public policy organizations. Meet some of our current Ph.D. candidates who are in the process of completing their dissertations and degrees.

Jarrett B. Davis
Ph.D. Candidate in Urban Studies and Public Affairs
Specialization:  Urban Policy and Development
Research Interests:  Spatial Mismatch Hypothesis, Critical Race Theory as a methodology for Public Transportation Research, Social Exclusion, Mobility and co-presence, Public Transport, Space Syntax, Urban Segregation, Racial Inequality, Economic Development Public Policy, Public Transit Free-Fare Programs.

Daniel Dunchack
Ph.D. Candidate in Urban Studies and Public Affairs
Specialization: Urban Studies and Public Administration
Research Interests: Whistle-Blowing, Public Finance, Collaboration in Producing Public Value, Ethics, and Mixed-Methods Methodology.

​​​​​​​Marcelyn Saxton
Ph.D. Candidate in Urban Studies and Public Affairs
Specialization: Public Administration and Communication
Research Interests: Various aspects of online education instruction and equity in postsecondary education. Also, interested in research pertaining to organizational behavior, professional transition and perceptions of faculty members.