Kathryn Wassel

Kathryn Wassel is an Assistant Teaching Professor at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, specializing in public policy with a focus on equity, local governance, sustainability, and food system policy. She holds a PhD in Public Administration (2021) and an MS in Political Science (2012) from Florida State University, along with a BS in Political Science (2006) from the University of Pittsburgh.

• Institutional Affiliation: University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (College of Arts & Sciences)
• Additional Role: Part-time Lecturer at Rutgers-Newark
• Education: PhD (Public Administration), FSU; MS (Political Science), FSU; BS (Political Science), University of Pittsburgh

Research Interests span equity in policy processes, sustainable local governance, food system policy, and institutional analysis. Her work often intersects public administration with community engagement and applied policy evaluation.

Scientific Awards include:

• $269,643 grant from Southeastern Regional Planning & Economic Development District for Providence MSA CPRG Planning Grant
• $270,000 climate pollution reduction planning grant (2024)

Teaching includes graduate-level courses such as POL 531: Program Evaluation, POL 599: Policy Studies Internship, POL 510: Public Management, and POL 530: Policy Analysis. She has taught at multiple academic levels and formats, including online instruction.