Peace studies Ph.D. graduates secure strong placements

Two recent graduates from the Peace Studies Ph.D. program at the University of Notre Dame have secured strong academic placements at universities across the country.

The Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, part of the Keough School of Global Affairs, partners with departments in Notre Dame’s College of Arts and Letters to offer six distinct but related doctoral degrees. Because each is a dual degree in a traditional discipline and peace studies, Kroc Institute Ph.D. graduates are equipped for academic jobs in a wide range of areas. “We are pleased that our graduates continue to secure placements that reflect their broad, interdisciplinary training, said Catherine Bolten, director of doctoral studies and associate professor of anthropology and peace studies. “It is impressive to see their ability to apply the lens of peace studies to a variety of disciplines, contexts, and landscapes of practice.” Garrett FitzGerald, a 2020 graduate in peace studies and political science, has accepted a position as Assistant Professor of Peace and Justice Studies, part of the Women's and Gender Studies Department at Pace University in New York City. FitzGerald is looking forward to working with a diverse group of students at Pace, and to see how this new teaching role helps him to grow as a peace educator.. “What could be more exciting than teaching in the heart of New York City? One of the most rewarding aspects of my teaching at Notre Dame has been helping students link big-picture peace and justice issues to the University's local context by connecting them to South Bend community activists and local service opportunities,” said FitzGerald. “I can't wait to explore similar opportunities in a place like New York City, and to engage with all that New York has to offer as an extension of the classroom.” Richard “Drew” Marcantonio, a 2021 graduate in peace studies and anthropology, has accepted a new role as Teaching Assistant Professor in the Department of Management and Organization, part of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business. In this role, he will also be providing leadership to the Meyer Business on the Frontlines program, which brings graduate students in business, global affairs, and law together with international humanitarian groups, multinational corporations and other organizations to brainstorm sustainable business solutions in a variety of global contexts. “In this role I will be training and guiding small teams of motivated and intelligent individuals in post-conflict settings to assess real challenges to stable livelihoods and human flourishing, and co-producing recommendations and interventions for the issues with affected communities and either a public, enterprise, or nonprofit partner,” said Marcantonio. “It is fundamentally a scholar-practitioner position where I can apply the range of skills and knowledge I have developed over the years to directly serve the most marginalized communities.” Learn more about the Peace Studies Ph.D. program at kroc.nd.edu/phd. Originally posted on Kroc Institute News & Events.