Dr. Crystal Murphy

Crystal Murphy is Assistant Professor of Political Science and is affiliated with the Peace Studies Department. She is Director of the MA in International Studies program, and co-Director of the Chapman Olive Tree Initiative chapter. Dr. Murphy’s research focuses on conflict, humanitarianism and development, and advocates qualitative methods for policy oriented scholarship. She’s especially keen to forward the voices of those involved and affected. She has worked for and carried out field research with NGOs, UN agencies and financial institutions in East Africa.

Recent publications:

Dr. Murphy’s book, Microcredit Meltdown: the rise and fall of South Sudan’s microcredit sector (Lexington 2018) traces the industry collapse alongside the experiences of participants. “De Facto Preferential Lending: How South Sudan’s microfinance industry unwittingly fostered divisions along wartime diaspora lines” in Africa and its Diaspora: History, Identities and Economy (Samuel Oloruntoba ed., Pan-African University Press 2017) analyzes how access to development programs can be shaped by displacement patterns. Her current research projects examine refugee beneficiary and policymaker responses to cash transfer programs.

Courses offered:

Global Political Economy
International Relations
Politics of Humanitarianism
International Development Strategy & NGOs
Environmental Policy