Dr. Gary Shiffman is an SSP Adjunct Professor. In 2012, he created a software company, Giant Oak, to apply the craft of behavioral science to violence and make it available to large numbers of users countering illicit acts such as money laundering, human trafficking, drug trafficking, insurgency, and terrorism.
Where are you from and what path brought you to SSP?
I joined the faculty of SSP years ago, but I actually first joined the SSP community as a graduate student. I received my MA in Security Studies while on active duty in the Navy. I then pursued my Ph.D. in Economics while working as a staffer in the US Senate. Upon graduation, I gratefully accepted the faculty position and have loved every minute of my years in SSP.
What are you working on right now?
Exploring the science–behavioral science–of national security.
What is your favorite thing about SSP?
SSP STUDENTS! We attract the most sincere, intelligent, and interesting people to our program. I love time in the classroom, and I love keeping in contact with students as they progress in their careers.
If you could tell your grad school self one thing, what would it be?
Keep your ideals. You can do well and do good–you don’t need to choose.
If you could teach any course at all, what would that be?
Economics of Violence, the exact course I teach now. I would also like to teach a course on The Godfather. And also on The Wire. And maybe on Harry Potter (but I’d have to study the books more closely).
Would you rather fight 1 horse sized duck or 100 duck sized horses?
In the water or on land?
What is your favorite thing to do in DC?
I love organizing dinners with interesting people and tackling difficult issues over a drink and good food.
What would your advice be to SSP students be hoping to start a career in your field?
If you believe you can change the world, then work on it every day. But ensure you seek support from faculty and classmates, and we will be there with you