Maria McCollester

Maria McCollester is an associate political scientist located in RAND's Pittsburgh office.  McCollester's educational and professional experience coalesces around institutional and organizational development, coordination, and culture, especially within the Executive Branch and military, program evaluation and assessment, both within and outside of government, and legislative and regulatory analysis. Her broad research interests include executive branch and federal agency administration, foreign policy, environmental policy, national security, bureaucracy, and the legislative process. Prior to coming to Rand, McCollester completed her Ph.D. in Political Science at Boston College. Her dissertation research focused upon the development of America's federally protected public land system and its connection to presidential power. Preceding and during her time at Boston College, McCollester worked for a number of governmental agencies and non-profit organizations, including as a policy analyst with the Government Accountability Office.