Maria Cancian
About Maria Cancian
Maria Cancian is the Dean of the McCourt School of Public Policy, with a doctorate in economics from the University of Michigan and extensive experience in public policy research and administration.
Company
Maria Cancian is currently the Dean of the Mc Court School of Public Policy. The school is an integral part of Georgetown University and is dedicated to advancing the understanding of complex public policy issues and developing solutions. Her role includes overseeing the academic programs, faculty, and a broad range of initiatives aimed at tackling crucial public policy challenges.
Education and Expertise
Maria Cancian received her doctorate in economics from the University of Michigan. Her academic and professional expertise lies in the intersection of public policies and family wellbeing. Her research delves into the interactions between systems such as incarceration, child welfare, and child support, along with the effects of multiple partner fertility on family organization and policy.
Background
At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Maria Cancian held multiple significant roles including Kellett Professor, Associate Dean for Social Sciences and Fiscal Initiatives, and Director of the Institute for Research on Poverty. These positions involved substantial administrative responsibilities and leadership in academic research focused on poverty and social policy.
Government Service
Maria Cancian served as a senior advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services during the Obama Administration. Additionally, she held the position of Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy at the HHS Administration for Children and Families, where she contributed to policy development and implementation affecting children and families nationwide.
Research and Fellowships
Maria Cancian's research primarily focuses on the relationship between public policies and family wellbeing. She has also studied the implications of multiple partner fertility for family organization and policy. Her academic contributions have been recognized through various fellowships, including being a senior fellow at Casey Family Programs, a W. T. Grant Foundation distinguished fellow in residence at the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, a visiting scholar at the Russell Sage Foundation, and a visiting fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California.