Lisa S. Alfredson

Lisa S. Alfredson is an Associate Professor at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Public & International Affairs, serving as International Development Program Director. Her work focuses on human rights for vulnerable groups, including victims of gender violence, refugees, children in conflict zones, and marginalized identities. She employs an interdisciplinary approach bridging international development, human security, and international affairs, with emphasis on rights-based advocacy and intersectional identity impacts.

Education: PhD from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

Research Interests: Human rights advocacy, gender violence, refugee rights, children in armed conflict, international NGO strategies, and the intersection of law/policy with social justice. Her research critiques how legal frameworks both empower and marginalize groups based on gender, class, and nationality.

Professional Contributions: Appointed Kabak Faculty Fellow in Human Rights (2021-2022) to advance scholarship on social justice. Served as Law and Public Policy Chair at the National Women’s Studies Association for six years, fostering gender-focused research networks. Collaborates with global NGOs and UN bodies to advance human rights through coalition-building and policy lobbying.

Labs/Teams: Engages in transnational advocacy coalitions focused on child rights, gender equality, and refugee protection. Works closely with the Global Studies Center at the University of Pittsburgh to promote engaged human rights scholarship.