Where Networks Take Root: Korbel Students Explore Career Pathways in Washington, D.C.
At a moment when career trajectories in Washington, D.C. are shifting rapidly, students at the Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs are demonstrating a renewed eagerness to understand and enter the nation’s government and policy hub. This fall, record-high interest in the school’s D.C. Career Connections trip brought 28 Korbel graduate students to the capital for four days of intensive career exploration....
Bridging the Gap at Korbel: Turning Passion for Global Affairs into a Career
Bridging the Gap (BTG) is a cornerstone of the Korbel School’s commitment to shaping impactful global leaders. Co-founded in 2005 by now Professor and Director of the Scrivner Institute Naazneen Barma, BTG was created to do exactly what its name promises: connect scholars and emerging practitioners to the policymaking world, ensuring their passion for international affairs can translate into careers with impact. ...
Theory In Practice: Korbel's First-Year Cohort Forecasting Simulation
This reflection was written by Madison Bryant (MA, Global Economic Affairs, 2026), a first-year Korbel graduate student partaking in a simulation for the class, "Great Issues in International Affairs."...
From First-Generation College Student to Regional Representative with Senator Bennet: Jacob Topping’s Public Service Journey
From the steel city of Pueblo, Colorado to the halls of government, recent Korbel alumnus Jacob Topping’s journey is a testament to what drive, purpose, and community roots can make possible. A proud first-generation college graduate, Jacob grew up with a strong belief that people from small towns deserve a voice in decisions that shape their future. After graduating with his Master of Public Policy (MPP) in 2024, Jacob has dedicated his career to elevating those voices. “I was born and raised in Pueblo,” he shared, “and I am now the Southeastern Regional Representative for Senator Michael Bennet.”...
Bridging Worlds: Keith Gehring Guides Student to Fulbright-Winning Project
With guidance from Korbel professor Keith Gehring, grad student Raluca Alexandrescu turned a bold idea into a Fulbright-winning project and a life-changing experience. When Raluca Alexandrescu first began her Fulbright application, she wasn’t sure she would qualify, let alone stand out in a field of top-tier candidates. A graduate student in information technology with a focus on AI strategy, she had a vision: to return to Romania, her home country, and study how small businesses in Bucharest could better adopt digital tools. But translating that vision into a competitive proposal would take more than hard work. It would take clarity and perseverance—and the right mentor....
Honoring Heritage and Impact: Natalie Dunn's Journey from Korbel to Venture Capital
Natalie Dunn, Principal Investor at LvlUp Ventures, is dedicated to supporting startups in their earliest stages, focusing on entrepreneurs with innovative ideas and the potential to create significant impact. Passionate about problem-solving and business building, she brings a founder's mindset to her work, emphasizing social impact and the pursuit of meaningful change....
Korbel Faculty Earns Spot on Foreign Affairs Best Books of 2024 List
Dr. Suisheng Zhao, Professor and Director of the Center for China-U.S. Cooperation (CCUSC) at the Josef Korbel School, continues to receive widespread recognition for his book, The Dragon Roars Back: Transformational Leaders and Dynamics of Chinese Foreign Policy (Stanford University Press)....
From Denver to the World: Korbel Students Expand Their Horizons During Winter Interterm
Studying abroad at the Korbel School isn’t just about hitting the books in a different country. It’s about creating opportunities for students to immerse themselves in new cultures, network with global leaders, and dare to redefine their futures. The month between the Fall and Winter Quarters — called “Winter Interterm” — is a chance for Korbel students to embrace these experiences....
From Chance to Change: A Career Studying Women’s Experiences in Conflict
Dr. Hilary Matfess, Assistant Professor and Director of Korbel’s International Security Degree, never planned to study gender and war. However, a series of unexpected obstacles early in her career forced her to rethink her approach and ignited a passion for uncovering overlooked narratives—one that continues to fuel her work today....
Korbel Professor Recognized by the University of Denver for Commitment to Classroom Accessibility
Korbel School Professor Rebecca Galemba embodies these values every day, and to mark this year’s Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), the University of Denver awarded her the GAAD Award for Accessible & Inclusive Classroom Experiences. This distinction highlights her outstanding efforts to ensure every student feels supported and empowered to succeed....
Carol Spahn, Former Peace Corps Director, to Join Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs at the University of Denver
DENVER, CO — The Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs at the University of Denver is proud to announce that Carol Spahn, former Director of the Peace Corps, will join its faculty in fall 2025 as the Rice Family Professor of the Practice of International and Public Affairs....
Alumni in Action: Sabre Morris on Building Impact in the Private Sector
Sabre Morris (M.A. International Security, 2020) first encountered the world of international affairs in a middle school classroom in her hometown of Aurora, Colorado, where she participated in a hands-on experience called the ‘World Affairs Challenge’....