SPIA is excited to introduce Justin Conrad!

Justin Conrad, Gary K. Bertsch Director of the Center for International Trade and Security and Associate Professor of International Affairs, received his PhD from Florida State University in 2011. His main research areas are international security issues, including terrorism, insurgency and political violence, as well as interstate conflict. When he’s not working, he spends his time chasing around his young children and spending time outdoors. 

What attracted you to UGA?
JC: The opportunity to work at a world-class institution and live in the ideal community for raising a family.

Where did you grow up? 
JC: St. Petersburg, FL

What are you working on that you’re most excited about? 
JC: My colleagues and I are collecting data on competitive behavior among militant organizations. We have collected data for all groups in Africa and Asia for a 25-year period, and the project has produced a number of exciting implications that are changing our understanding of competition.

What was your favorite part of your college experience? 
JC: College football

Please tell us one fun fact about yourself. 
JC: I served as a stats analyst for the FSU football team in Bobby Bowden’s final year.

What are you looking forward to in the coming year? 
JC: I love the Olympics, and I can’t wait for Tokyo 2020.

What is one goal you have for yourself for the next year? 
JC: Finish my novel (wishful thinking).

Who inspires you in your research or career? 
JC: My college history professor. He served the same institution for nearly 60 years and he produced great works. But more importantly, he generated incredible enthusiasm among his students. I still have that enthusiasm today, thanks to him.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be? 
JC: Flight. That seems very practical when you just want to “get away.”

What advice do you have for SPIA students? 
JC: Embrace everything that SPIA and UGA have to offer. It’s an amazing place, and you’re only here for a relatively short period of time.