Twice each year, Luskin Forum magazine highlights UCLA Luskin’s latest projects, publicizes recent research advances, and introduces our alumni and friends to the various personalities who make the School special. The stories are also posted on this web page, and PDF copies of Luskin Forum editions since 2013 can be downloaded from the linked images at the bottom.
Current Issue
Social Welfare Turns 75
The Social Welfare program at UCLA was founded in 1947, and the department is hosting celebratory events this academic year, culminating May 6 with an on-campus gala.
Recalling Social Welfare’s ‘Finest Moment’
After Los Angeles erupted in racially charged violence 30 years ago, UCLA faculty and students gave people in a city under siege the chance to talk.
A Worldly Perspective
This issue’s overarching theme focused on the many ways that the Luskin School’s influence extends well beyond America’s borders.
Seeing the Forest and Filling in the Blanks
Professor Susanna Hecht says the popular notion of Amazonia contrasts starkly with the real story of the region: extraction, depletion and destruction of natural resources.
World Cities Serving as Learning Laboratories
Jinglan Lin is studying in Paris with the first cohort in a dual-degree program pairing UCLA Luskin Urban Planning and the European research university Sciences Po.
To Hold Governments Accountable, Researchers Take Some Heat
An international who’s who of governance scholars comes to UCLA to critique an ambitious index that seeks to quantify government effectiveness on a global scale.
Message From the Dean
In light of his decision to step down, Gary Segura looks back on six years as dean.
In Support
A look at longtime support from Liberty Hill Foundation, plus new initiatives and an overview of fundraising goals.
Seen & Heard
What does a UCLA Luskin degree mean to graduating students? Here are some answers.
Alumni Notes
Social Welfare alumni create a new scholarship to support MSW students; Stephen Cheung takes on a new role.
Alumni Accolades
A roundup of career updates from graduates of UCLA Luskin’s various degree programs.
Previous Issue
(Almost) Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Our Research Centers
With a theme of “Research Centers in Action,” most stories in this issue focus on the vital role of research entities in the UCLA Luskin educational experience and their importance to the School’s research and community-service missions.
ITS, Lewis Center Have Thrived for Decades
Two of Luskin’s oldest centers promote a faculty-student research relationship that for many is a hallmark of the Luskin School experience.
A Case Study of Community-Led Research
Luskin Center for Innovation’s approach to the Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) project exemplifies community-driven research.
An Institute Whose Name Is Also Its Mission
The Luskin Institute on Inequality and Democracy, now in its sixth year, produces research in support of providing activists and advocates a voice in policymaking.
The Young and Mighty LPPI
Student fellows gain valuable experience helping the Latino-focused think tank provide data-driven insights to policymakers.
Faculty Also Lead Research Centers Across Campus
Our faculty lead research entities outside the School, including a newly hired faculty director at one center and a longtime professor with new responsibility at another.
Faculty, Students United by International Interests
The Global Lab for Research in Action is just one of several UCLA Luskin entities that help unite faculty members, staff and students who share a distinctly international focus.
At the Intersection of ‘Multiple Vulnerabilities’
Hub for Health Intervention, Policy and Practice connects scholars, policymakers and advocates for those battling poverty, racism, homophobia and discrimination of all kinds.
Message From the Dean
Today, faculty from dozens of departments and programs across nearly every division/school on the campus participate in one or more UCLA Luskin research center.
In Support of UCLA Luskin
Meyer Luskin sharing life lessons is among recent events, gifts and fellowship efforts.
Alumni Notes
UCLA Luskin alumni in leadership roles include transportation leaders, state officials, a local mayor, the chair of the National Endowment for the Arts and more.
Alumni Accolades
Career changes, recent awards and other news about graduates from UCLA Luskin and its various departments.
A Selection of Stories From Earlier Issues
Growing Influence
Our cover story highlights UCLA Luskin research that influenced policy decisions about throwaway plastic tableware, street harassment and community policing.
Mike Dukakis Taught Here
Faculty colleagues, past students and the former Massachusetts governor himself talk about Michael Dukakis and his lasting impact at the Luskin School.
The UCLA Luskin Trailblazers were the first Bruins to complete the School’s bachelor of arts in public affairs in June 2021. Read about the program and how its energetic students and new alumni are already making an impact. Also highlighted is a special report about four of the Trailblazers.
All 5 New Faculty Additions Have Prior UCLA Experience
Incoming scholars whose expertise includes economic inequality, immigration, political participation, history and the Black experience, environmental economics, poverty, land use and transportation.
New Degrees to Benefit Working Professionals
Dual-degree program and proposed master’s in public administration will focus on cities, political issues and societal challenges from international and leadership perspectives
Tapping Into People’s Passion to Do Good
Paul Ong and the Center for Neighborhood Knowledge have already issued dozens of research papers on the impacts of the pandemic — often without securing funding first.
Social Welfare Seeks to Dismantle Anti-Blackness
Students, faculty and alumni examine curriculum and address racial disparities in social work education.
From Professional Skateboarder to Urban Planner
Photographer-turned-student changes course after more than 10 years working in the skateboard industry
Advisory Boards Provide Inspiration, Perspective
Volunteer committees connect UCLA Luskin’s scholars to officials, community leaders and philanthropists.
Rising to the Challenge
When the coronavirus pandemic changed the world, UCLA Luskin acted quickly, moving to remote instruction and virtual platforms for many events — including commencement.
Called to Action
We profile some of the many UCLA Luskin students already making a difference in the world. It’s not just about pursuing an education for them, it’s a call to action!
Taking the Border Crisis to Heart
Team from UCLA Luskin Social Welfare travels to immigrant detention center in Texas to counsel mothers and children seeking asylum in the U.S.
A Nexus of Latin Cities
New initiative Ciudades finds common ground in urban spaces across the Western hemisphere.
Giving Microeconomics a Human Face
Research by Manisha Shah bridges a worldwide policy gap between health, economics and education.
A special series of essays written by staff members from Communications and our various research centers. It’s a snapshot of the people and projects that make UCLA Luskin such a vibrant, thought-provoking and entertaining place to be.
PDF Archive
If you prefer to view the current issue or an older edition in the form in which it was printed, here is our archive of PDFs from the past few years.
