Dr. Sarah Mendelson

Biography

Sarah E. Mendelson is a Distinguished Service Professor at Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz College and Director of the Sustainable Futures program. She has been a prominent figure in fields such as public policy, human rights, and sustainable development. Dr. Mendelson's work spans local and global challenges in socio-economic needs and demographic disparities, utilizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework to create innovative solutions. She has held significant positions, including a non-resident Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and serving as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations’ Economic and Social Council. Her research interests are primarily focused on the intersection of sustainable development and human rights, as well as advocating for policies that address human trafficking and inequalities. A prolific author, she has contributed over 100 publications to public policy. Dr. Mendelson holds a BA in History from Yale University and a PhD in Political Science from Columbia University.

Research Interests