Research Recap with Professor Mohamad Alkadry

October 25, 2022
Professor Mohamad Alkadry
SPP Director and Professor Mohamad Alkadry

Earlier this year Professor Mohamad Alkadry was named UConn School of Public Policy’s (SPP) inaugural Director. He began serving as Department Head in 2017.

In preparation for a surge in retirements across Connecticut this year, Mohamad and MPA Fellows alum Tara Downes have been studying demographic data for executive branch agencies. Their study of more than 28,000 employees uncovered discrepancies based on race and gender. Earlier this year, they made recruitment and training program recommendations to draw under-represented groups to state service.

In September, he co-authored an article in the journal Review of Public Personnel Administration entitled “Human Capital Drivers of Employee Intent to Innovate: The Case of Public Procurement Professionals.” His co authors include:

Their research tested the influence of three types of human capital on innovation including organization level, industry specific and individual specific human capital. They also assessed differences linked to education, training, and demographics including gender, race and age. Correlation was found between feeling encouraged and experience, education, training and age.

Alongside the Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy (IMRP) and colleague Thomas Craemer, Mohamad is currently conducting a Cannabis Study for the CT Social Equity Council. The study intends to look at the impact of cannabis criminalization and ways to reverse any negative impacts. Look out for a feature on this study in November!

Mohamad became an Academy Fellow with the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) in 2021. He was featured on their Management Matters podcast in celebration of Public Service Recognition Week in May. Though not research specific, his “Public Service Spotlight” talked about his journey to SPP and his commitment to supporting those pursuing public service careers. He also discussed the evolution of the field and how collaboration has allowed it to grow and become more agile. Mohamad’s advice to the post – millennial generation emphasized exploration and pursuing passions while making a living.