Public Administration

• Bachelors in Geography- National University of the South, Argentina
• Specialization degree in Management of Natural Areas, International University of Andalusia, Spain  
• Masters in Geography and Urban Planning - University of Akron
• Ph.D. in Urban Studies and Public Affairs - University of Akron

Areas of competence

• Political theory and political thought
• Public administration theory
• Public organizations
• Ethics in the public sector
• Public policy process
• Community dynamics
• Qualitative research 

Area of special interest

• Deliberative and collaborative governance
• Community process and neighborhood organizing
• Participatory planning
• Phenomenological research
• Interpretive policy analysis 

Professional/ Public Service

Professor M. Verónica Elías has over 10 years of experience working in the public sector. She worked in middle and higher education both in Argentina and the United States (National University of the South in Argentina, The University of Akron, Ohio, and Indiana University-Purdue University, Fort Wayne, Indiana). Verónica has also worked in the Planning, Research and Development Office at the Akron Police Department. Moreover, she worked for the youth recovery center, Oriana House, performing law enforcement planning and crime analysis. She serves as a peer reviewer for several professional journals in public administration, public policy, and political science. She also serves in several university, college and departmental committees. Verónica is a research fellow with the Institute of Applied Phenomenology in Science and Technology led by Professor Ralph P. Hummel, housed in Canal Fulton, Ohio and Spruce Head, Maine.