<p>At NYU SPS's <a href="/content/sps-nyu/about/academic-divisions-and-departments/center-for-global-affairs.html" title="Center for Global Affairs (CGA)">Center for Global Affairs (CGA)</a>, students have the opportunity to dive right into the thick of international affairs and global policy, learning from instructors with a wealth of experience in the field. Carolyn Kissane is the associate dean and clinical professor at CGA, and we were delighted to speak with her recently to learn more about her background, her hopes for the future of global affairs, and her advice for incoming students.</p>

<p>Kissane has traveled the world, taught at esteemed institutions, and established a distinguished career in energy, environment, and climate studies. Not known to turn down an adventure, her path to NYU reflects both an enduring curiosity about the world and a deep passion for education—making her an influential leader and educator at NYU and beyond.</p> <p>Growing up with a strong interest in political science and economics, Kissane pursued an undergraduate double major with a minor in international relations. Her studies took her to Oxford, where she became fully immersed in Soviet economics and politics, a field that intrigued her and set the stage for her future academic and professional endeavors.&nbsp;</p> <p>&quot;That year opened up my imagination to different possibilities,&quot; she reflects. After graduating in 1990, Kissane worked in Japan before embarking on a year-long journey around the world, including a formative stint in Russia. &quot;I took the Trans-Siberian between Moscow and Beijing. It was August of 1992—pretty wild.&quot; Coming off the trip of a lifetime, her fascination with global transitions ultimately inspired her to pursue graduate studies.</p> <p>After returning from her travels, Kissane enrolled at Columbia University, where she initially pursued a master's degree in international comparative education. However, her passion for research, particularly related to political transitions and the former Soviet Union, led her to stay for a PhD. A fellowship opportunity to study in Kazakhstan deepened her focus on Central Asia, which became the foundation for her dissertation.&nbsp;</p> <p>&quot;I didn't know much about Kazakhstan at the time, but that experience was a game-changer,&quot; she recalls. She received a Fulbright to continue her research there, and Kazakhstan became the focal point of her academic work.</p>

<p>Kissane's teaching career began at Colgate University, but she was drawn to NYU in 2005 by her desire to balance research with her passion for teaching. &quot;I didn't want to do pure research. I love working with students, and the classroom is where my heart is.&quot; At NYU SPS, she has found the perfect intersection between academia and real-world problem-solving, particularly through the lens of global energy and climate issues.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Center for Global Affairs, which offers programs that focus on international issues, provides Kissane with the ideal platform to bridge her research with hands-on learning experiences for her students. The collaborative nature of the classroom is what keeps Kissane engaged.&nbsp;</p> <p>&quot;No day in the classroom is ever the same. Each group brings its own dynamic, and the diversity of perspectives makes for a very rich learning environment.&quot; As associate dean, she oversees two internationally diverse master's programs that benefit from the global perspectives of both students and faculty. &quot;Our conversations always include input from many different worldviews,&quot; she adds.</p> <p>In Kissane's experience as an educator, students today are eager to be part of the solution, particularly in addressing pressing issues like climate change. &quot;Whenever people tell me they're losing hope, I tell them to spend time with young people. They really want to be part of positive change.&quot; She believes in the importance of bringing new thinking to solve today's global challenges, and her students, she says, are leading that charge. &quot;We can't solve the world's problems with the same solutions we've used in the past.&quot;</p>

<p>Keeping in line with SPS' mission to provide real-world education, Kissane is a strong advocate for experiential learning. One of the hallmarks of the Center for Global Affairs is its consulting practica, where students work as consultants for major corporations, UN agencies, and other organizations. &quot;The students get hands-on experience working on deliverables for real clients, which is invaluable.&quot;&nbsp;</p> <p>Additionally, Global Field Intensives, where students travel to locations such as Greece, Peru, and the UK, offer a deeper understanding of international relations and geopolitics. &quot;These experiences really immerse students in the complexities of the issues we discuss in class, and it helps them see the real-world implications of their work.&quot;</p> <p>As both a scholar and practitioner, Kissane believes that bringing real-world experiences into the classroom is key to preparing students for their careers.</p>

<p>For Kissane, teaching is a lifelong passion. &quot;I love teaching, and I love working with students. It makes it easy to bring in guest speakers and provide networking opportunities for them because I believe in their potential.&quot; She encourages students to make the most of their time at NYU, leaning on faculty and taking advantage of the wealth of resources available to them. &quot;Graduate school is a pivotal time in your life, and I always tell students to take every opportunity they can.&quot;</p>

<p>Kissane's advice to students is to be confident in their abilities. Reflecting on her own experience, she shares, &quot;As a grad student, I held back. I was unsure of myself, but I wish I had stepped up more. I always tell students now to use their voices, both spoken and written. Don't second-guess yourselves.&quot; Her approach to mentorship is influenced by a piece of advice from her mentor, the late Charles Tilley. &quot;He told me to 'pay it forward,' and that's something I've carried with me. As long as I'm giving my all in the classroom, I know I'm doing right by my students.&quot;</p> <p>As an educator, Kissane remains committed to helping students succeed not only academically but also professionally. &quot;I want my students to feel fully prepared for their careers, and I want them to know that they can always lean on me for guidance.&quot; For her, teaching is a calling and one that she answers with passion and purpose every day.</p> <p>The Center for Global Affairs has its doors open to students who are ready to make their mark on the world. Start the next chapter of your story when you pursue an <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-global-affairs.html" title="MS in Global Affairs">MS in Global Affairs</a> today.</p>