Past Sessions
Explore previous Public Policy Initiative programs at Penn State Behrend. When available, recordings are included within each program description.
Immigration Laws and Policies in 2026
January 27, 2026
7:00 p.m.
Immigration Laws and Policies in 2026
Attorneys with the Amicangelo & Theisen law firm.
Specializing in immigration services in Erie.
Speakers include Andrea Amicangelo and Alexandria Iwanenko.
Presented on January 27, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Federal House.
Our speakers were Andrea Amicangelo and Alexandria Iwanenko, immigration attorneys with the Amicangelo & Theisen law firm, which specializes in immigration services in Erie. This program focused on three areas of immigration law that our speakers practice, including key developments from 2025, their work with ICE detainees, and what they anticipate or will be monitoring in 2026.
Russian War on Ukraine Discussion with Oleksiy Goncharenko, Ukrainian Member of Parliament
Russian War on Ukraine Discussion with Oleksiy Goncharenko, Ukrainian Member of Parliament.
For more information, contact [email protected].
Presented on January 23 at 9:00 a.m. on Zoom.
January 23, 2026
9:00 a.m.
A timely conversation with a Ukrainian Member of Parliament on the realities of life during Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine. The discussion covered the devastating impact of strikes on civilian infrastructure—leaving millions without electricity and heat during one of the harshest winters in recent years—the prospects for peace, and the dynamic changes unfolding within Ukraine’s government and society. This was a unique opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the challenges and resilience shaping Ukraine today.
Community Resources for Immigrants in Erie
December 9, 2025
7:30 p.m.
Federal House
Community Resources for Immigrants in Erie
Ashley Lawson, Director of USCRI Erie
Saeed Taraky, former Immigrant and Refugee Liaison for the City of Erie and President of the Afghan Community of Erie
Carlos Mora, an Erie County United organizer, Behrend graduate, and Colombian immigrant to Erie
Presented on December 9, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. in the Federal House.
On December 9, we explored the immigrant and refugee experience in Erie through both the lens of government programs and the personal perspectives of immigrants themselves.
This event featured the following speakers:
Ashley Lawson, Director of USCRI Erie
Ashley discussed the programs USCRI runs, the services they provide in Erie, and their overall impact.
Saeed Taraky, former Immigrant and Refugee Liaison for the City of Erie and President of the Afghan Community of Erie.
Saeed discussed the importance of immigrant communities to Erie, his work during his tenure with the City, his role at the Afghan Community Center, and his own immigration experience.
Carlos Mora, an Erie County United organizer, Behrend graduate, and Colombian immigrant to Erie.
Carlos shared his family’s story, the programs they benefited from, and his work with MCRC.
Under Threat, Not Defeated: How Democracies Fight to Endure Around the Globe
November 19, 2025
4:00 p.m.
Metzgar Lobby
Under Threat, Not Defeated: How Democracies Fight to Endure Around the Globe.
Panelists: Dr. Maggie Shum | Dr. Emily Masghati | Dr. Lena Surzhko Harned | Dr. Diane Chido
Presented on November 19, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. in the Metzgar Lobby.
For nearly two decades, global democracy has been in retreat. From attacks on free media and independent institutions to rising authoritarianism and political violence, warnings from Freedom House and other watchdogs show a persistent decline in democratic freedoms worldwide. Yet the story is not only one of erosion — it is also one of resilience.
Faculty from Political Science and History met on November 19 to lead a conversation on the causes and consequences of democratic backsliding, why democracy remains vital to human dignity and global stability, and how citizens and institutions are pushing back. Drawing lessons from past and present struggles across multiple regions, this discussion explored what it takes for democracies to survive — and to thrive — under threat. Panelists included Dr. Maggie Shum, Dr. Emily Masghati, Dr. Lena Surzhko Harned, and Dr. Diane Chido.
The Importance of Immigrants for Erie Industries
November 18, 2025
7:30 p.m.
Federal House
The Importance of Immigrants for Erie Industries.
Cassie Zimmer, immigration policy analyst, Niskanen Center (Washington, D.C.)
Jaret Kelly, president, Lake Erie Wine Country
Cindy Rau, human resource coordinator, Logistics Plus
Presented on November 18, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. in the Federal House.
On November 18, our guest speakers discussed the role immigration plays in local businesses and the broader Erie economy, connecting national policy perspectives with real-world local experiences.
Our guest speakers included:
Cassie Zimmer - Immigration Policy Analyst at the Niskanen Center. She opened with a broad overview of the economic and policy impacts of immigration nationwide, tying those ideas back to Erie (where she’s originally from). She also touched on current federal policies and their local implications.
Jaret Kelly - President of Lake Erie Wine Country and manager at a local winery. He discussed the role immigrants play in his industry and shared personal experiences from the agricultural side.
Cindy Rau - HR Director at Logistics Plus. She provided a business and HR perspective, focusing on her experience helping employees through the citizenship process and on how immigration supports their supply chain management operations.
Economic Inequality in America—Extent and Potential Consequences
Friday, March 28, 2025
3:00–4:00 p.m.
Metzgar Lobby
Economic Inequality in America: Extent and Potential Consequences.
Contact Dr. Lena Surzhko-Harned ([email protected]) with Questions.
Presented on March 28, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. in the Metzgar Lobby.
How has economic inequality in the United States evolved over time, and what are the potential consequences of sustained disparities? Join Dr. Kenneth Louie, director of the Economic Research Institute of Erie and associate professor of Economics at Penn State Behrend, for an insightful presentation on the data and long-term trends shaping economic inequality.
View from Ukraine: What Does Peace Look Like? A Conversation with MP Inna Sovsun
Friday, March 21, 2025
10:00–11:00 a.m.
View from Ukraine. What does peace look like?
Discussion with Inna Sovsun.
Contact Dr. Lena Surzhko-Harned ([email protected]) with Questions.
Presented on March 21, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
Join Ukrainian Parliament Member Inna Sovsun for a discussion on the vision for peace in Ukraine. A former deputy minister of education and science, as well as an advocate for human rights, energy policy, and military medicine, Sovsun offers deep insight into the country’s challenges and future.
Ukrainian Civil and Armed Resistance in Russian-Occupied Territories with Dr. Yuriy Matsiyevsky
Thursday, March 20, 2025
1:00–2:00 p.m.
Ukrainian Civil and Armed Resistance in Russia-Occupied Territories.
Presentation by Dr. Yuriy Matsiyevsky. March 20, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.
Contact Dr. Lena Surzhko-Harned ([email protected]) with questions
Sponsored by the Public Policy Initiative
How have Ukrainians in occupied regions resisted Russian control? Dr. Yuriy Matsiyevsky, head of the Center for Political Research at Ostroh Academy, examines civil and armed resistance in Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and Crimea. Using open-source data, he explores how repressive measures sparked peaceful protests, covert actions, and partisan resistance, including the “Yellow Ribbon” movement. He also highlights the role of partisan units engaged in armed resistance.
Ecocide and War: How Animals Experience the Russian Invasion of Ukraine
Thursday, October 17, 2024
Federal House Multipurpose Room
6:30–7:30 p.m.
This talk explores the costs of waging war in terms of how it affects human life as well as non-human life. Humans have rights but perhaps nature should too. What could be gained by looking at war from the perspective of animals? How would evaluations change as to what constitutes a “just war” or a “just peace” if we considered the rights of animals and the rights of nature? Up until now, animals have been almost entirely absent from discussions of the ethics of war. By assessing how animals experience the Russo-Ukrainian war, a case can be made for the introduction of ecocide as a war crime given its environmental impact.
Professor Catherine Wanner is the Edwin Erle Sparks Professor of History, Anthropology, and Religious Studies at Penn State. Her research centers on the politics of religion and increasingly on conflict mediation, ecocide, and trauma healing. She is the author or editor of seven books, most recently Everyday Religiosity and the Politics of Belonging in Ukraine (Cornell University Press 2022) and editor of Dispossession: Anthropological Perspectives on Russia’s War Against Ukraine (Routledge, 2024).
The Pennsylvania State University encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Dr. Lena Surzhko-Harned in advance of your participation or visit.
PPI Presents: Russian War in Ukraine
What We Do to Decolonize: How Ukraine's Language and Cultural Policy Works
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
10:00–11:00 a.m. (ET)
Join Dr. Valentyna Sotnykova for a fascinating dive into the peculiarities of the Ukrainian decolonization process and the cooperation between civil society and state institutions in creating new policies.
Ukraine’s decolonization policies often focus on restoring Ukraine's past—its culture, history, rehabilitation, or re-evaluation of historical figures and events. It is essential to build a self-narrative free from imperial views and inferiority.
At the same time, it is imperative to expand policies that foster modern Ukrainian culture and develop cultural institutions. While government efforts are critical, grassroots initiatives and civil society are driving real change and popularizing the decolonization movement.
Dr. Sotnykova holds a Ph.D. in Humanities, and is a literary critic and civic activist. Her research interests include comparative studies in culture and post-totalitarian optics in the study of Ukrainian literature. She is a co-author of the award-winning podcast Where Are We? (Conscious Media) about postcolonial theory and the project Decolonizers (Suspilne Culture) about the multiplicity of personal experiences of decolonization.
Please contact Dr. Lena Surzhko-Harned with questions.
Russian War on Ukraine Discussion with Oleksiy Honcharenko
April 24, 2024
The Public Policy Initiative hosted a discussion on the Russian War on Ukraine with Oleksiy Honcharenko, a member of the Ukrainian Parliament, on April 24 at 7:00 p.m. in 180 Burke.
Oleksiy Goncharenko is a Ukrainian politician, member of the Ukrainian parliament, member of the Ukrainian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, and Vice President of the PACE Committee on Migration, Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons.
He is a member of the "European Solidarity" group in Parliament and head of the caucuses "For a Democratic Belarus" and "For a Free Caucasus."
After the start of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Oleksiy Goncharenko joined the country’s civilian Territorial Defense Forces for the first month. He has fought against Russian propaganda and publishes widely in international media to bring the truth to the world about Ukraine.
He was included in the sanctioned persons lists of the Russian Federation.
Oleksiy is a founder of Ukraine’s largest network of educational-cultural centers, the Goncharenko Centers, which, since February 2022, have become volunteer hubs.
Technology, Disinformation, and Public Policy
April 19, 2024
The Public Policy Initiative and Pi Sigma Alpha held the Technology, Disinformation, and Public Policy student presentations on April 19 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. in 113 Reed .
Rachel Gerzevske, a DIGIT major, presented their research on "Rethinking Image Protection in the Time of AI." While not all AI is bad AI, it’s important for us to rethink our approach to image protection for future use to uphold artistic integrity and reduce the long-term impact AI will have across the world.
Eric Oelhaf, a political science major, presented their research on "Generative AI in Russian Information Warfare: Concepts, Threats, and Trends." Russian disinformation poses a credible threat to democracy as we know it, especially now that generative AI is becoming more and more prevalent. There is a massive overlap between Russia's propaganda model and the way in which generative AI currently functions.
Kaylee Harrison, a political science major, presented their paper on Breeding Fear Through Russky Mir: Russia's "Anti-Imperial Campaign" in Post-Colonial Territories of the Global South. For over a century the Russian Federation, both within its pre-existing nature as de-facto leader of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (U.S.S.R.) as well as in its current state, have utilized anti-colonial, anti-racist, and anti-imperialist messaging in its determined efforts to bolster its own status and undermine the West. Within this context, Russia has attempted to persuade nations across several continents of its colonial exceptionalism, particularly those in Africa and Latin America.
Crime, Law, and Psychology
April 18, 2024
On Thursday, April 18, from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. in 114 Reed, the Crime, Law, and Psychology 2024 Speaker Series hosted two distinguished speakers in the area of criminal law, Attorney Elizabeth Hirz and Attorney Patricia Kennedy.
Since 2022, Attorney Hirz has served as the Erie County District Attorney. She is the first woman District Attorney in Erie County. She has been with the Erie County District Attorney's office for over 20 years and has prosecuted a wide array of criminal cases, including homicides and major felonies. She also prosecutes child physical and sexual abuse cases.
Attorney Patricia Kennedy has over 30 years of legal experience, including 11 years as the Chief Public Defender in Erie County. She was appointed as the Public Defender in 2011 and has extensive experience in a wide range of criminal cases. She served as the Public Defender until 2021 and since 2021 has been with the Knox Law Firm in Erie, where she is a member of the firm's Governmental Practice Group.
This program included remarks from Attorney Hirz and Attorney Kennedy, followed by a question-and-answer session. Refreshments were provided.
Is Putin’s Russia Dangerous?
April 10, 2024
The Public Policy Initiative held a discussion about why Russia has become more dangerous on April 10 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. in Metzgar Lobby.
As Russia shows more signs of turning into a consolidated totalitarian police state, Putin’s government turns up its hostile rhetoric toward the “collective west.” In this discussion of Russian domestic and foreign policy, Dr. Hoffman and Dr. Surzhko Harned, explained why Russia has become more dangerous to the U.S., its European allies, and to global security.
Unissued Diplomas Exhibit
February 24, 2024
This exhibition was created to remind the world about the ongoing war and the price Ukrainians pay daily in their fight for freedom. Unissued Diplomas honors the memory of Ukrainian students who will never graduate because their lives were taken by the Russian invasion.
The Unissued Diplomas exhibition uncovers the stories of 40 Ukrainian students killed in the war. In 2024, it will be held in different institutions worldwide on February 24, which marks the anniversary of the day all Ukraine woke up from explosions.
The Impact of Taiwan's Election in 2024 and Beyond
February 26, 2024
The Public Policy Initiative and the Behrend Political Society held a discussion with Dr. Maggie Shum, assistant professor of Political Science, about the impact of Taiwan's election in 2024 and beyond. The event was on Monday, February 26, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in Metzgar Lobby.
20 Days in Mariupol Film Showing
February 20, 2024
A showing of the 20 Days in Mariupol film was held on campus. This Oscar-nominated documentary by Pulitzer Prize-Winning Ukrainian Journalist Mstyslav Chernov begins at the start of the Russian invasion, where a team of Ukrainian journalists who are trapped in the besieged city of Mariupol struggles to continue their work in documenting the war's atrocities.
Countering Disinformation Through Public Pedagogy with Dr. David Kahl Jr.
November 8, 2023
Throughout history, people have been persuaded by false messages that communicate ideas that run counter to factual information. Today, those messages are promulgated by powerful groups in society who benefit from their widespread belief. Accordingly, people increasingly fall victim to these messages and adopt post-truth ideologies, privileging belief over fact.
Pedagogies of Post-Truth, the new book Dr. David H. Kahl Jr. edited with Ahmet Atay, an associate professor of communication at the College of Wooster, examines this communicative phenomenon and demonstrates how pedagogy can work to reduce the abundance and effects of post-truth messages. The book shows how a critical communication pedagogy (CCP) perspective can be used to engage in examination and dialogue to recognize and respond to post-truth messages to move toward change.
Moderated by:
Lena Surzhko Harned, Ph.D.
Penn State Behrend
Chornobyl Nuclear Catastrophe in Ukrainian Art
October 12, 2023
Oksana Semenik, an art historian, journalist, researcher, and creator of the Twitter account Ukrainian Art History, discussed Chornobyl and the Nuclear Catastrophe in Ukrainian Art.
Her texts about Ukrainian contemporary art were published in Ukrainian media, such as Ukrainian Pravda, Lb.ua, Local History, Your Art, Korydor, Vogue Ukraine, Magazyn RTV (Poland), etc.
In 2022, she worked as an assistant curator and researcher at the Zimmerli Museum. Her main research topic was the decolonization of Ukrainian art in the museum collection. She studied art history at the Taras Shevchenko Kyiv University and Rutgers (NJ). Her thesis topic is the Image of the Chornobyl catastrophe in Ukrainian art.
Semenik is now working as an independent art historian, writing books about Ukrainian art, and working on a radio program about Ukrainian art history on Radio Culture (a national broadcast company). She is a Fellow scholar at the University of Toronto (Petro-Jacyk Non-Residential Fellowship).
Moderated by:
Lena Surzhko Harned, Ph.D.
Penn State Behrend
Decolonization of Ukraine, What Does That Mean?
Discussion with Mariam Naiem
September 14, 2023
Mariam Naiem, a Ukrainian of Afghan origin, is an activist and public intellectual who speaks out about the Russian war in Ukraine. She aims to bring an understanding of the colonial and racial aspects and practices of Russian culture concerning Ukraine and other peoples colonized by Russia.
Moderated by:
Lena Surzhko Harned, Ph.D.
Penn State Behrend
Russia's War on Ukraine, Why U.S. Support is Needed and Warranted
April 5, 2023
Associate Professor Volodymyr Dubovyk from Odesa I. I. Mechnikov National University (scholar, security expert, and transatlantic relations specialist) offered insights into the strategic reasons for the U.S. continued support of Ukraine in its fight against the Russian illegal invasion.
Hosted by:
Lena Surzhko Harned, Ph.D.
Penn State Behrend
A Conversation with Ukrainian Parliament Member Oleksiy Goncharenko
February 27, 2023
A conversation with Oleksiy Goncharenko, a member of the Ukrainian Parliament. Goncharenko is also a member of the Ukrainian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and Vice President of the PACE Committee on Immigration, Refugees, and Internally Displaced Persons.
Moderated by:
Lena Surzhko Harned, Ph.D.
Penn State Behrend
Russian War in Ukraine and the Global Food Crisis
October 24, 2022
A conversation with Dr. Oleg Nivievskyi, an assistant professor and vice-president for economic education at Kyiv School of Economics, Center for Food and Land Use Research.
Hosted by:
Lena Surzhko Harned, Ph.D.
Penn State Behrend
Digital Archiving of the Russian War in Ukraine
October 20, 2022
A conversation with Dr. Steven Seegel, professor of Slavic and Eurasian Studies at the University of Texas at Austin, in residence at the UT Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies (UT CREEES). Founder of the "February 24th Archive."
Hosted by:
Lena Surzhko Harned, Ph.D.
Penn State Behrend
Russian War in Ukraine, Territorial Defense:
The Civilian Army
October 7, 2022
A conversation with Dr. Oleksandr Lukyanenko, associate professor and chair of culture studies at Korolenko Pedagogical University of Poltava and, since February 24, coordinator of the city's territorial defense unit.
Hosted by:
Lena Surzhko Harned, Ph.D.
Penn State Behrend
Discussion with the Faculty of the Kyiv School of Economics
March 24, 2022
A discussion with world-class scholars who continue to work in the Ukrainian capital under Russian fire. The program included:
- Tymofiy Mylovanov, a president of the Kyiv School of Economics and an adviser to Ukraine's presidential administration
- Tymofii Brik, the head of sociological research at the Kyiv School of Economics
- Anna Bulakh, an expert on international security and technology and a member of the Hybrid Warfare Task Force in Kyiv
- Oleg Nivievskyi, a coordinator of the UaFoodTrade research project, a partnership with the Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies
Hosted by:
Lena Surzhko Harned, Ph.D.
Penn State Behrend
Russian War in Ukraine: A Public Teach-In
March 16, 2022
A public teach-in about the conflict in Ukraine with:
- Lena Surzhko Harned, Ph.D.
Penn State Behrend - Volodymyr Dubovyk, Ph.D.
Mechnikov National University, Odesa, Ukraine
Putin's War in Ukraine: A Public Teach-In
March 2, 2022
A public teach-in about the conflict in Ukraine with:
- Lena Surzhko Harned, Ph.D.
Penn State Behrend - Nataliia Kasianenko, Ph.D.
University of California at Fresno
What can you do?
Visit this list of resources from RazomForUkraine.org
NATO in Ukraine
February 17, 2022
A discussion by NATO experts:
- Mark Webber, Ph.D.
University of Birmingham, U.K. - Pierre Lépine, CD, Ph.D.
Royal Military College of Canada - R. James Orr III, J.D., LL.M.
National War College
Moderated by:
Lena Surzhko Harned, Ph.D.
Penn State Behrend
Ukraine in the Spotlight
February 9, 2022
A discussion by Ukrainian experts:
- Elena Besedina, Ph.D.
Kyiv School of Economics - Olena Lennon, Ph.D.
University of New Haven - Nataliia Kasianenko, Ph.D.
California State University at Fresno
Moderated by:
Lena Surzhko Harned, Ph.D.
Penn State Behrend