Stephen Meyers

Stephen Meyers is an Associate Professor at the Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies and the Department of Law, Societies, and Justice at the University of Washington. He also serves as Director of the Center for Global Studies and Core Faculty in the Disability Studies Program. His research focuses on disability rights, particularly the interactions between grassroots organizations and international bodies like the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Meyers has authored a book on disability rights in Nicaragua (2019) and co-authored a UNFPA report on gender-based violence and youth with disabilities (2018).

Education:

• PhD in Sociology, University of California, San Diego (2014)
• MA in Political Science, University of Massachusetts (2007)
• Master's of Theological Studies in Ethics, Harvard University (2002)
• BA in English, Loyola University (1998, cum laude)

Research Interests:

Meyers examines how local disability associations engage with global institutions, emphasizing Latin America. His work bridges sociology, human rights, and international development. Key themes include disability identity in post-conflict societies, transnational advocacy, and comparative civil society dynamics.

Grants & Collaborations:

He has secured grants from the Global Innovation Fund, Carnegie Opportunities Fund, and UW Global Initiatives. Collaborations include consulting for UN agencies (e.g., UNFPA, ILO) and NGOs like World Enabled.

Labs/Teams:

Meyers leads the Center for Global Studies and co-directs the Disability and International Development Initiative (DIDI), fostering interdisciplinary research on disability inclusion.