During Graduate Student Appreciation week in April, we interviewed Chase LaSpisa, PhD student of political science in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and CSSI graduate consultant. His work with CSSI has helped him grow skills needed for his future career while helping faculty solve research challenges. Read his Q & A.

The Center for Social Science Innovation (CSSI) at the University of Iowa has selected four exceptional doctoral candidates for its 2025-2026 Dissertation Completion Program (DCP). This program supports graduate students as they complete their dissertations and prepare for impactful careers in research, policy, and public service.

The Center for Social Science Innovation seeks graduate students from across disciplines to take part in its Dissertation Completion Program. Participants receive dedicated workspaces to focus on their projects, direct support from CSSI staff, opportunities for professional development, and more.

CSSI recently concluded its second annual Dissertation Completion Program (DCP), which offers support and resources for graduate students in the final years of their dissertations. Continue reading to get to know the 2025 DCP participants, their dissertation projects, and their program reflections.

The Center for Social Science Innovation (CSSI) has recently accepted three participants for its Spring 2025 Dissertation Completion Program (DCP). The Spring 2025 DCP cohort includes Munachim Amah (Journalism and Mass Communication), Nathan Micatka (Political Science), and Lisa Nakahara (Educational Policy and Leadership Studies).

This year, the Public Policy Center launched its first ever Dissertation Completion Program (DCP).