Christina Barsky
Director of MPA Program
Associate Professor
PRONOUNS She/Her
- Skidmore College
- University of Montana
- Northern Arizona University
Community Development and Applied Economics
BIO
Christina Barsky, Ph.D., M.P.A. is an Associate Professor and Director of the Master of Public Administration program and the graduate certificate in Community Resilience in Planning in the Department of Community Development and Applied Economics at ¶¶Òõ̽̽. As a self-described "prac-ademic," she uniquely bridges theory and practice in public administration, focusing on election science, the delivery of public services, and innovative pedagogy. Barsky’s research explores the dynamics of citizen-state interactions on the frontlines of democratic society and offers actionable insight for policymakers, practitioners, and educators. Her scholarship offers insights into the gendered nature of election administration, emotional labor of public officials, workforce challenges in public health during crises, and administrative burdens in rural disaster recovery. She investigates the politicization of, and violence directed towards, street-level public servants, including gender violence, and its implications for representative governance. Barsky’s commitment to community-engaged scholarship extends across her research agenda, aiming to produce not only academically rigorous work but also work that directly contributes to developing solutions to pressing societal challenges. She seeks to answer urgent questions, devise potential remedies, and effectively engage with public audiences, fulfilling her role as a citizen-scholar dedicated to advancing socially-just, inclusive, and responsive governance. In the classroom, Barsky is known for innovative teaching methods, creative approaches to applied learning, and simulation engagements. As a citizen-scholar committed to public engagement, Dr. Barsky frequently contributes to media outlets, translating complex academic findings into accessible information for public audiences. Barsky bridges the gap between theory and practice, leveraging her practitioner background in community, economic, and social policy alongside rigorous scholarly training to address contemporary public challenges.
Courses
PA 6010 Foundations of Public Admin
PA 6050 Public and Nonprofit Budgeting
PA 6750 Public Administration Capstone
Publications
Area(s) of expertise
Election Science and Administration, Public Service Delivery, Community-Engaged Scholarship, Pedagogy of Teaching and Learning, Public Policy and Governance
Bio
Christina Barsky, Ph.D., M.P.A. is an Associate Professor and Director of the Master of Public Administration program and the graduate certificate in Community Resilience in Planning in the Department of Community Development and Applied Economics at ¶¶Òõ̽̽. As a self-described "prac-ademic," she uniquely bridges theory and practice in public administration, focusing on election science, the delivery of public services, and innovative pedagogy. Barsky’s research explores the dynamics of citizen-state interactions on the frontlines of democratic society and offers actionable insight for policymakers, practitioners, and educators. Her scholarship offers insights into the gendered nature of election administration, emotional labor of public officials, workforce challenges in public health during crises, and administrative burdens in rural disaster recovery. She investigates the politicization of, and violence directed towards, street-level public servants, including gender violence, and its implications for representative governance. Barsky’s commitment to community-engaged scholarship extends across her research agenda, aiming to produce not only academically rigorous work but also work that directly contributes to developing solutions to pressing societal challenges. She seeks to answer urgent questions, devise potential remedies, and effectively engage with public audiences, fulfilling her role as a citizen-scholar dedicated to advancing socially-just, inclusive, and responsive governance. In the classroom, Barsky is known for innovative teaching methods, creative approaches to applied learning, and simulation engagements. As a citizen-scholar committed to public engagement, Dr. Barsky frequently contributes to media outlets, translating complex academic findings into accessible information for public audiences. Barsky bridges the gap between theory and practice, leveraging her practitioner background in community, economic, and social policy alongside rigorous scholarly training to address contemporary public challenges.
Courses
PA 6010 Foundations of Public Admin
PA 6050 Public and Nonprofit Budgeting
PA 6750 Public Administration Capstone
Publications
Areas of Expertise
Election Science and Administration, Public Service Delivery, Community-Engaged Scholarship, Pedagogy of Teaching and Learning, Public Policy and Governance