Pitt's Asian Studies Center Announces Appointment of New Director

PITTSBURGH--University of Pittsburgh faculty member Siddharth Chandra has been appointed the new director of Pitt's Asian Studies Center (ASC) within the University Center for International Studies (UCIS). Currently an associate professor in Pitt's Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) and an affiliated faculty member of UCIS's Global Studies Program and ASC, Chandra will begin his five-year term July 1.

"The Asian Studies Center covers one of the most important and dynamic regions in the world today," said UCIS Director William Brustein. "We are certain that Dr. Chandra's leadership, vision, energy, and breadth of regional interests will not only help the center advance its already strong standing, but add new opportunities to build bridges between UCIS and the professional schools."

Chandra's scholarly research focuses on health and development economics, applied econometrics, and economic history, with a regional emphasis on South and Southeast Asia. He earned the Ph.D. degree in economics at Cornell University, his master's degree in economics at the University of Chicago, and his bachelor's degree in economics at Brandeis University.

Pitt's ASC-whose mandate includes promoting an enhanced understanding of the nations of Asia through exceptional academic programs, strong interdisciplinary faculty development, and energetic community outreach-has been designated since 1988 as a National Resource Center in East Asian Studies by the U.S. Department of Education, identifying it as being among the best and most comprehensive in the country in research, public service, and teaching about East Asia.

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