Since 2019, APPAM Communities have provided invaluable opportunities to connect around shared identities and interests. Communities gather together at the Annual Fall Research Conference, throughout the year at in-person meetings, and now virtually through our *NEW* online platform.
As an APPAM member, you're already part of a network of people doing important work in public policy research and practice. The refreshed APPAM Communities online space is where that network comes alive between conferences, as a place to connect with peers, exchange ideas, ask questions, and stay engaged with the topics that matter most to your work.
APPAM Communities can be started by a current APPAM member who has collected a roster of 20 current APPAM members who would also like to join. The Communities will then be reviewed by the APPAM Policy Relevance Committee for approval. Contact Michelle Avaroma for more information.
You can join easily through the Member Hub. Communities are what you make of them, so we encourage you to participate, engage with fellow members, share resources, and build connections. Communities will only be available to members, and to participate, you must agree to follow APPAM's Code of Conduct. Here are some step-by-step directions to help you through the process.
We are seeking dynamic leaders to serve as Community Chairs across our vibrant communities! As a Community Chair, you'll engage APPAM Members monthly through the APPAM Membership Hub and host an annual webinar. APPAM provides all the infrastructure and recruitment support—you bring the vision and leadership. Contact Michelle Avaroma for more information.
2026 APPAM Fall Research Conference
This community is the place to discuss the upcoming 2026 APPAM Fall Research Conference. Whether you are planning to submit a session, plan to attend, or have general questions about the event, we would love to hear from you!
Artificial Intelligence
Co-chair: Daniel Schiff, Purdue University, Governance and Responsible AI Lab
Co-chair: Kaylyn Jackson Schiff, Purdue University, Governance and Responsible AI Lab
The APPAM AI Community is a group of individuals passionate about the relationship between AI and public policy, including the emergence of AI policy as a field, the study of
AI's impact on social and ethical issues, and the application of AI techniques in research. Our community includes researchers and practitioners in academia, civil society, government, and industry, whether experts or novices, and especially welcomes students.
BIPOC in Public Policy
Chair: Valerie Brou, James Madison University, Graduate Research Assistant
This Community was created to help support Black, Indigenous, and People of Color engaged in research. Discussions include challenges faced by BIPOC researchers, challenges in the field itself, and ways APPAM and other stakeholders can help engage and promote DEI.
Chinese Policy Scholars Group
Co-chair: Can Chen, Georgia State University
This Community fosters a dynamic, inclusive environment for scholarly and professional exchange, bringing together Chinese and non-Chinese policy scholars interested in Chinese public policy and comparative public policy.
Data Science
Co-chair: Jon Schwabish, Urban Institute
Co-chair: Torbet McNeil, University of Arizona
This Community explores data science topics and applications in public policy and management. It takes a broad view of data science, including quantitative skills, domain
expertise, and “soft skills,” such as ethics and communication. Anticipated community discussions include aligning data science with public policy and management training, as well as the impact of data science on public policy and management careers and research.
Early Career Professionals
Co-Chair: Katie Jennings, Ohio State University, John Glenn College of Public Affairs
Co-Chair: Syeda Sana Fatima, Afton
This Community is for those new to the research world (less than 10 years post-terminal degree) and is meant to support those just starting out in their careers, whether in academia, government, think tanks, NGOs, non-profits, or corporate roles.
First-Gen Researchers
Chair: Dorcas Attah, Mercedes-Benz USA
First-generation college graduates, or those whose parents do not hold four-year degrees, can convene to discuss this aspect of diversity. Join the Community to make new connections, discuss your own perspectives on policy research as a first-generation researcher, and find ways APPAM can continue to support this group.
Housing Researchers
Chair: Martha Galvez, New York University, Furman Center
This community aims to build a national network of housing scholars and research centers, with the goal of supporting applied housing policy research and ensuring rigorous evidence reaches federal, state and local decision makers.
LGBTQ+ Researchers
Co-chair: Nathaniel Tran, University of Illinois, Chicago
Co-chair: Patrick Hart, CUNY Institute
This Community was created to help better support LGBTQ+ members and increase inclusivity and diversity. Discussions include challenges in research on policy issues, challenges faced by LGBTQ+ researchers, policy challenges for the LGBTQ+ community, and more.
Undergraduate Education
Chair: T.J. McCarthy, University of Southern California, Sol Price School of Public Policy
This Community is for educators and researchers committed to advancing undergraduate education in public policy and public affairs at APPAM educational institutions.
Women in Economics
Co-Chair: Catalina Vasquez, University of Texas, Austin
Co-Chair: Risha Gidwani, University of Colorado, Anschutz
This Community is for researchers committed to conducting research on, supporting the development of, and/or advancing professional opportunities for women (cis and trans) and non-binary economists within the APPAM community. This is meant for members at all career stages. This Community will discuss professional concerns, current research, challenges, potential solutions, future APPAM activities, and more.