Aaron Smith-Walter

Aaron Smith-Walter serves as Associate Professor and Interim Director of the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program within the Department of Political Science at the University of Massachusetts Lowell's College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. His academic leadership spans public administration theory and policy implementation.

His educational foundation includes:

• Ph.D. in Public Administration (2015) from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, with dissertation: Crafting the Public: Cultural Theory and the Public Participation Mechanisms Chosen By Administrators in Metropolitan Planning Organizations
• Public Administration degree (2007) from James Madison University
• BS in Sociology (2002) from James Madison University

Smith-Walter's research pioneers narrative policy analysis in public administration, examining how cultural narratives shape policy processes. His work integrates public participation mechanisms with healthcare reform and climate governance, while investigating HRM practices' impact on public sector performance through lenses of organizational behavior and work-life balance. His scholarship bridges theoretical frameworks like Cultural Theory with practical policy applications.

His 2013-2014 publications reveal three convergent research streams: narrative analysis of apocalyptic fiction's implications for government legitimacy, methodological applications of the Narrative Policy Framework to policy debates, and empirical studies of HRM practices in public organizations. These works demonstrate interdisciplinary connections between political theory, organizational psychology, and public management.

His scholarly contributions have been recognized through:

• Wilson Fund for Faculty Professional Development (2016)
• Larry Terry Award-winning papers on public participation narratives (2013, 2014)
• Multiple conference scholarships from Virginia Tech programs (2012-2014)

As Interim MPA Director, Smith-Walter oversees graduate program administration while maintaining active research. His presentation record at major conferences (ASPA, MPSA, Law & Society Association) demonstrates sustained engagement with policy theory communities. Current information indicates no formal advising relationships or externally funded grants are publicly documented.