Grace Bahng

Biography

Grace Bahng is a Professor (Teaching) in the Sol Price School of Public Policy at the University of Southern California. Bahng was previously a Professor at Azusa Pacific University teaching about global issues, international development, humanitarian emergencies, and community development for 10 years. She specialized in experiential learning in public affairs education and directed two non-profit internship programs. She has also worked as a consultant working on a variety of projects, including with First 5 LA and World Vision International in program evaluation. In addition to her MPP and PhD in public policy, Bahng also has a B.S. in Computer Science from MIT and received the Henry Reining, Jr. Dissertation Award in Public Administration from USC for her research on microfinance provision for caregivers of vulnerable children in Ethiopia. She has worked in and with a variety of organizations throughout her career, including technology start-ups, urban youth organizations, community development organizations, microfinance institutions, local churches, and research institutions throughout her career. Her primary interests are policy analysis, global policy, experiential learning, and public ethics.

Selected Publications

• Bahng, G., Taborga, M., Jimenez, A., & Bae, C. (2018). Improving Large-Scale Implementations by Applying Research and Data Analysis: A Case Study on First 5 LA’s Implementation of PCIT in Los Angeles County. Journal of Public Affairs, 18(4).
• Bahng, G.  (2015). Using Community Partnerships to Create Critical Service-Learning: The Case of Mar Vista Gardens. Journal of Public Affairs Education, 21(1), 55-70.
• Bahng, G. (2013). Mitigating Social Exclusion in Microlending: A Case Study of Wisdom Microfinance Institution in Ethiopia. Journal of International Development, 25(1), 31-44.