Meet the Faculty: Iseul Choi

Professor Iseul Choi is an assistant professor of public administration in the School of Public and International Affairs. Her research focuses on issues such as how governments can deliver effective and equitable outcomes for its citizens and how to make a diverse and inclusive public sector workforce. Particularly, her work uses a human-centered approach and behavioral insights. Previously, she was an assistant professor at the University of New Mexico for three years. 

Which courses are you teaching?

This semester I am teaching PA 514: Management Systems and PA 770: Contemporary Public Management.

Please tell us about one of your current research projects.

Currently, I am working on a project that deals with administrative burden. This type of burden hinders people from knowing their eligibility and applying for government programs. This is an important issue to study because a burdensome process prevents people from getting access to these programs, thereby they cannot easily receive the benefits they are supposed to have. I would like to contribute to the existing literature on this topic by investigating how to reduce the burden and how to make the process simpler and easier for the public. This will ultimately lead to improved government performance and effectiveness in terms of policy and program outcomes. 

Why does the study of public administration matter?

One of the best things about learning more about public administration is that public administration is an interdisciplinary study that closely relates to other domains including politics, economics, sociology, even neuroscience and AI recently. It broadens our perspectives and views so that we can see a bigger picture of pressing issues and have an in-depth understanding of how public and nonprofit organizations could respond to those issues.

What led you to a career as a professor of public administration? 

My mother served as a public official in healthcare in South Korea for 25 years, and her dedication to the job strongly intrigued me and further motivated me to pursue my career related to the public sector. At the same time, I felt odd when people easily blamed public servants as being too lazy and government agencies for poor performance and lack of accountability. So I was curious about how to improve government performance and how to encourage public servants to perform better. With my academic background in English and Economics, I further studied public administration to learn how governments respond to the citizens’ needs and how governments improve performance. 

I particularly discovered my aspiration to become a professor, when I found Donald Moynihan as a mentor who was a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison back in 2010, and read his book The Dynamics of Performance Management. Also, I had numerous research questions that were highly aligned with his research areas and I found it very intriguing to formulate a robust research question and answer it by analyzing the data and explaining the results as a scholar. Moreover, I was fortunate that I could pursue my graduate studies in the U.S. with great mentors and advisors, which has naturally made me learn how to become a good mentor and professor. Because of this, my career goal as a professor of public administration is not only contributing to the practice and scholarship through my research but also helping students with my support and knowledge. 

What is one thing your students would be surprised to know about you?

I just got my drivers license two years ago so I am a relatively new driver. 

If you could time travel, what advice would you give to your college-age self?

Travel as much as you can.

What is the next thing you hope to accomplish on your wishlist?

Working as a professor at NC State was on my wishlist. So the next thing that I am hoping is to get my manuscripts published. 

What are you looking forward to at NC State?

I am looking forward to enjoying quality time with my family at the great parks in Raleigh. I would also love to explore some great museums and fun activities nearby.

What do you like to do when you’re not teaching? 

For myself, I love being at home and watching Netflix, and also I enjoy cooking and brewing coffee. I also cherish playing with my son Austin, strolling around my neighborhood, and visiting parks. 

Where did you move from prior to relocating to Raleigh and NC State?

Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Favorite caffeine fix?

I love Jubala Coffee’s seasonal lattes. Otherwise I usually get a vanilla latte. I would like to try other places for coffee for sure.