Ralph Grossmann: Reflections at Graduation

Grossmann, a 2020 Harvard Kennedy School graduate, was a Belfer International and Global Affairs Student Fellow

Ralph Grossmann graduated from Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) in 2020 with a Master in Public Policy degree. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy with a BS with distinction in International Relations, he was selected to attend HKS as part of the U.S. Navy's Fleet Scholars Education Program. His Navy experiences include serving as both platoon commander and company commander on deployments to the Middle East. During these deployments, Grossmann worked as part of the Navy's elite explosive ordnance disposal community. 

Grossmann's research at the Belfer Center focused on counter-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. He also did research on how government policy and action intersect to counter terrorism. He says the relationships he formed are the most important aspect of his time as a Belfer IGA student fellow.

“The Belfer IGA fellowship is a life-long network of close friends who will go on to be leaders in the public, private, and non-profit sectors,” says Grossmann. “We will be able to reach out to each other – and back to our mentors at the Belfer Center – for advice and ideas as we work to tackle global challenges of today and tomorrow.”

Following graduation, Grossmann will return to service as an active-duty officer in the U.S. Navy.