Each week, Cleveland State University will profile new faculty members with a “getting to know you” feature called ProfTALK. Learn about your prof’s background, bona fides and how they contribute to the momentum of Engaged Learning. Then get behind the desk and learn a little more about what makes them tick. This week, we dive into urban affairs, energy insecurity and public transportation! Meet Michelle Graff, Ph.D. and Robert Pfaff, Ph.D.!

Urban Studies Assistant Professor Michelle Graff, Ph.D.

Ph.D., Public Affairs, Indiana University, 2021

M.A., Environmental Resource Policy, George Washington University, 2015

B.A., Economics, Colby College, 2010

With a Ph.D. from the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University, Dr. Graff’s research focuses on energy policy, public administration, and social justice – namely on three domestic issues: residential energy insecurity; efficacy of energy assistance programs, and implications of the energy transition to low-carbon alternatives for vulnerable communities. She empirically examines whom energy insecurity affects, how it affects them, and how government programs have (or have not) helped alleviate energy insecurity. Dr. Graff’s research offers theoretical and empirical contributions to energy justice, material hardship, and public administration literatures. With an eye on “administrative burden” and policy analysis, Dr. Graff teaches public administration, policy analysis, environment, energy, and climate policy.

What three words come to mind when you think of Cleveland State University?

Urban, talented, hardworking.

What is a common question you get from Cleveland State University students?

“How do you define a policy problem?”

What do you like most about teaching and why?

My favorite part of teaching is exposing students to new lenses through which to view the world. I hope to give our undergraduate and graduate students the tools to understand the complex policy problems facing American communities and families today.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I spend time with my two young daughters.

Where is your favorite place in Cleveland and why?

My family is new to Cleveland, so I think I have yet to find my favorite place in Cleveland. I love walking my dog around the eastern suburbs and learning about the community we joined.

What is a “fun fact” about you that many people may not know about you?

I grew up and love horseback riding.

What is your personal motto/mantra/axiom?

I am not sure if this is a motto, but my grandfather -- and father -- always used to say, “all you need in life is judgement and luck.”

Urban Studies Visiting Assistant Professor Robert Pfaff, Ph.D.

Ph.D., Urban and Regional Planning, University of Michigan (2021)

M.A., Urban History, Wayne State University (2015)

B.A., History, Wayne State University (2014)

Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Dr. Pfaff’s research addresses structural histories of racial inequality in rustbelt cities, analyzing the associated post-industrial decline. His primary studies dive into public transportation and its contribution to metropolitan sprawl and regional segregation between cities and suburbs – arguing that public transportation has tacitly influenced segregation patterns by limiting transit access to minority/underserved communities during the white flight period of mass suburbanization. Prior to arriving at CSU, Dr. Pfaff received his Ph.D. with a dissertation titled “Regions, Race, Rail and Rubber: An Analysis of How Transportation Planning Decisions Contributed to Regional Segregation, 1922 - 1973.” A former instructor at Wayne State University, strengthening communities through equitable access to educational resources and teaching is his focus.

What three words come to mind when you think of Cleveland State University?

Resilient. Equity. Community.

What is a common question you get from Cleveland State University students?

How good is public transit in Cleveland compared to Detroit? (Hint: It's a lot better!)

What do you like most about teaching and why?

Helping students to self-actualize and recognize their innate strength, knowledge, and value. That “lightbulb” moment where something clicks for them is so worth the late nights of grading, emails, and lecture writing.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Hike, bike, motorcycle, tent camp, explore the wonders of the earth.

Where is your favorite place in Cleveland and why?

The Guardians of Transport on the bridge! (I study transportation in cities after all!)

What is a “fun fact” about you that many people may not know about you?

I've been to all “lower 48” states, and I usually go on one big motorcycle road trip every summer to visit new places. Next year is Alaska! (My photo is of my favorite national park, Glacier, in Montana).

What is your personal motto/mantra/axiom?

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” - John Watson