Throughout his career, Dan Ferris has led a variety of initiatives in settings ranging from offices of government affairs, community public health organizations, and research institutes. In his roles at the Brown School, Ferris applies his experience working with government, community organizations, academics, and other stakeholders to his teaching, research, and continued commitment to policy practice. 

As the assistant dean for policy initiatives at the Brown School, he is responsible for expanding the Master of Social Policy Dual-Degree program and supports student-learning opportunities through a range of offerings including legislative internship programs. Ferris currently leads policy training and education initiatives for the Social Policy Institute at Washington University, including the Graduate Policy Scholars program and a multiyear data science for social impact program partnership with Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth. Ferris has taught graduate courses in social welfare, legislative advocacy, and health care at New York University, the Touro Graduate School of Social Work, and the Brown School. 

Prior to coming to the Brown School, Ferris  received his Master’s in Public Administration with a concentration in Public Policy from New York University Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, and he is completing his PhD in Public and Social Policy at Saint Louis University. He is committed to research, programs, and policies that address disparities and inequities, particularly surrounding food insecurity in St. Louis and beyond.