Maximillian Ashwill is a professional writer and specialist in climate change adaptation, community risk, gender, conflict and social development. He has authored or co-authored dozens of published book chapters, journal articles and reports on these themes for a variety of institutions including the World Bank and UNDP. He has worked in 18 countries and lived in eight others. Mr. Ashwill has a Master’s degree in development studies from the New School and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin. He is a former Peace Corps volunteer from South America and has an insatiable thirst for Yerba Mate.
“The most beneficial aspect of the Julien J. Studely Graduate Program in International Affairs is the access students have to the professors. While a graduate student there I didn’t just take classes, I integrated as much as possible into the program.
I was a member of student groups, I worked as a research assistant, and generally mingled around the program’s offices. I was president of the Latin America Forum, which allowed me to meet some well-connected individuals from that region (including Cristina Kirshner, the president of Argentina). This was a valuable experience and contributed to my hiring by the Social Development Unit in the Latin America Region of the World Bank – my first job after graduation.
In GPIA, I worked as a research assistant to David Gold, Sean Costigan and Sakiko Fukuda-Parr, but I also got to know just about every professor and student simply by being around so much. I was able to consistently acquire knowledge and develop contacts from the diversity of personalities and experiences that comprise GPIA. Working with Ms Fukuda-Parr was especially valuable as I learned what it takes to be a writer, a researcher and a thinker in development issues. This opportunity allowed me to meet current professionals in my field and prepared me for my numerous analytical tasks at the Bank. Michael Cohen was also always available to provide me with advice and guidance. Bottom line: classes are fine, but to truly get the most out of GPIA, it is crucial to fully integrate yourself into the program.”
