Fawzi Mulki is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Informatics at the College of Computing and Information, University at Albany. Fawzi is specializing in Information, Government and Democratic Societies, with interests in information policy and public management, and e-government research, especially in developing countries.

Soon after joining the Ph.D. program, I began discussing my research interests with key faculty within the INF program, who directed my attention to CTG. After exploring CTG’s work, I became fascinated with their overall research framework. Their research approach was exactly what I was looking for, namely applied research with government agencies “to develop information strategies that foster innovation and enhance the quality and coordination of public services.”

After completing a masters in IT from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, I worked as IT manager for the Arab Potash Company, a large manufacturing company in Amman, Jordan. During my time in Jordan, I became interested in information management and information policy within the public sector. This led to my search for a Ph.D. program that would incorporate IT, management, and public policy development. I joined the Ph.D. program in August 2005, and began working as a Graduate Assistant for CTG in February 2006.

After completing my degree, I plan on returning to Jordan to pursue a professional career in the Jordanian government. I would like to continue performing research in the domain of digital government in a similar framework to CTG’s.

CTG has offered an invaluable experience in developing my skills as a researcher. This has only been made possible by giving me the opportunity to work, as a team member, on actual research projects dealing with information management and public policy. It is difficult to quantify the amount and value of information and skills that I have gained from the different staff members.