RRI Announces Four Distinguished Additions to Its Scholar’s Council
- The Ramos Research Institute
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ramos Research Institute Announces Four Distinguished Additions to Its Scholar’s Council
ITHACA, NY – MAY 20, 2025 — The Ramos Research Institute (RRI) is proud to welcome four world-class experts to its Scholar’s Council: Thomas Garrett, Dr. Julie Ficarra, Dr. Dave Silberman, and Dr. Diana Owen. Their combined expertise in democracy promotion, education policy, psychological well-being, and civic education in the digital age will greatly strengthen RRI’s mission to advance civic engagement, democratic resilience, and leadership development.
Thomas Garrett
President-Elect, American Committees on Foreign Relations; Einaudi Center Lund Practitioner in Residence, Cornell University; Distinguished Global Democracy Lecturer, Brooks School of Public Policy
Thomas Garrett joined Cornell University in Fall 2024 as the Einaudi Center Lund Practitioner in Residence and Distinguished Global Democracy Lecturer. From 2017 to 2024, Garrett served two terms as Secretary General of the Community of Democracies, forging consensus on international rule of law, human rights, and emerging issues such as cybersecurity. In 2024, the Government of Romania honored him with the Order of Merit-Grand Officer. Garrett’s 23-year tenure at the International Republican Institute included legislative strengthening in Ukraine, expansion of IRI’s Middle East-North Africa division, and advisory work in Mongolia—earning him Mongolia’s Medal of Friendship. He holds an M.A. in Diplomacy & International Relations from Norwich University and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Oklahoma.
Julie Ficarra, Ph.D.
Senior Lecturer, Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, Cornell University
Dr. Ficarra’s work explores the politics and ethics of transnational movement—whether through education, forced displacement, or global tourism—with a focus on how mobility policies shape power, equity, and local impact. Since joining Cornell’s Brooks School in 2021, she has led community-engaged research initiatives across Europe, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and New York State. Prior to academia, she served in international education administration and as an Una Chapman Cox Fellow at the U.S. Department of State. She holds a Ph.D. from Syracuse University and an Ed.M. from Harvard University, and her scholarship bridges critical theory with applied practice to advance ethical global exchange.
Dave Silberman, Ph.D.
Lecturer, Boston University; Chief Operating Officer, Cabrera Research Lab; Member Leader, Critical Thinking Group, Forbes Human Resources Council
A decorated disabled combat veteran, Dr. Silberman combines research and practice to address workplace distress, PTSD, and the role of cognitive complexity in coping. As COO of Cabrera Research Lab and a Boston University lecturer, he develops strategic pathways for leadership and organizational resilience. He also leads the Critical Thinking Group for the Forbes Human Resources Council, advising on psychological well-being and adaptive leadership.
Dr. Diana Owen
Director & Principal Investigator, Center for Education, Research & Leadership (CERL); Professor of Political Science, Georgetown University
Dr. Owen employs an interdisciplinary approach grounded in political science, education research, and communication studies. Her scholarship examines how civic education prepares young people for digital-age citizenship and the evolution of new political media and its consequences for public engagement. She is the author or co-author of five major books—including Media Messages in American Presidential Elections and American Government and Politics in the Information Age—and co-editor of three comparative works on internet politics and elections. As principal investigator on multiple U.S. Department of Education–funded projects (including the James Madison Legacy Project and Project Citizen), she advances nationwide civics programs serving teachers and high-need students. An APSA Congressional Media Fellow and recipient of the Daniel Roselle Award, her research has been recognized by APSA’s Political Education Section.
“A robust Scholar’s Council underpins RRI’s commitment to rigorous, actionable research on democracy, civic education, and leadership,” said Alejandro J. Ramos, Executive Director of the Ramos Research Institute. “We are honored to collaborate with Tom, Julie, Dave, and Diana, whose expertise and leadership will guide our work to empower the next generation of engaged citizens.”
“Drs. Ficarra, Owen, and Silberman and Mr. Garrett’s service and research highlight critical issues and encourage engagement within international and domestic communities,” said Josephine Hall, Junior Research Associate. “They have engaged civil society groups, foreign governments, and large community groups. I look forward to the opportunity of working with them.”
“Diana Owen’s scholarship and leadership in civic education have shaped how we understand and strengthen democratic engagement. Her work equips educators, empowers students, and reinforces the foundational role of informed citizenship in sustaining democratic societies,” sa
id Anya Mateu-Asbury, Deputy Project Lead, Citizenship Empowerment Framework.
To learn more about the Scholar’s Council, visit https://www.ramosresearchinstitute.org/scholars-council.
For more information about the Ramos Research Institute and its research initiatives, please visit www.ramosresearchinstitute.org or contact us at press@ramosresearchinstitute.org.
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About The Ramos Research Institute:
The Ramos Research Institute (RRI) is an emerging research institution dedicated to original research, polling, and policy analysis aimed at addressing today's most complex societal challenges. Founded by Alejandro J. Ramos, RRI is committed to providing innovative solutions and insights in critical research areas. RRI conducts research in state and local government, environmental policy, education policies and initiatives, and the voting behaviors of minorities, with a focus on rigorous, relevant, and impactful research.
Contact:
Nafisa Ruponty
Director of Public Relations
Ramos Research Institute
Ithaca, New York 14853