MIDDLETOWN, Pa. — Public administration doctoral student Huiting Qi has been selected as a 2022 Founders' Fellow by the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA), a leading public administration academic association.

Qi is one of 20 public administration students and early-career professionals selected for this honor from hundreds of applicants across the United States. As a Fellow, Qi will receive a year-long mentorship with a seasoned practitioner or senior scholar, as well as professional development opportunities throughout the year.

“I intend to take advantage of the benefit of mentorship to continue conducting my current research projects and explore more potential research topics in public administration,” Qi said.

Bing Ran, associate professor of public administration, has been working with Qi in conducting rigorous research over the last seven years. Qi has also published with Ran and his research team in peer-reviewed public administration journals. In addition to conducting research, she has been earning a teaching certificate by teaching various undergraduate courses. 

The program encourages all doctoral students to engage in service opportunities with the program and the profession. Qi’s service includes participating in organizations such as the college’s Public Administration Doctoral Student Organization and serving on the board of trustees of the Northeast Conference on Public Administration.

Because of Qi's numerous accomplishments, Ran is not surprised that Qi achieved this high honor awarded to junior scholars and early-career professionals in public administration in the United States. 

“This is an excellent achievement for a junior scholar,” Ran said. “Being selected as a Founders’ Fellow will give [Qi] significant national opportunities for professional development in the field.”