About the Hughes Center
Tina Zappile, Ph.D.
Tina holds an B.A. and M.A. in Political Science from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and an M.A. in Economics (international trade & finance) and a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her research on multilateral trade agreements, multilateral development banks, and U.S. foreign policy has appeared in World Development, International Studies Perspectives, and Routledge鈥檚 RIPE Series in Global Political Economy. Her pedagogical research on classroom simulations has appeared in International Studies Perspectives, and she is the lead author of "Global Challenges: Promise & Peril in the 21st Century", an all-in-one digital textbook & adaptive online course published by at Arizona State University (ASU).
She is available to speak to media about New Jersey politics; federal, state, and local elections; federal and state policy process; labor relations & unions; federal bureaucracy; U.S. foreign policy; international trade; WTO; international finance; IMF; development & foreign aid; World Bank; United Nations; civic education (K-12 and higher ed) and experiential learning such as Model UN (K-12 and higher ed).
Alyssa Maurice
Alyssa manages the 淫性视频 Polling Institute at the Hughes Center for Public Policy, a nationally ranked nonpartisan statewide polling firm which conducts public opinion polling in New Jersey, as well as survey research for 淫性视频 faculty, government agencies, and private clients. She leads other research initiatives at the center in collaboration with faculty and hosts a podcast to discuss recent policy developments or public opinion trends with various subject-matter experts. She currently serves as the Vice President of the New Jersey-Pennsylvania chapter of the American Association for Public Opinion Research. Prior to joining 淫性视频, Alyssa worked in media as a political research analyst. Alyssa holds a B.A. in political science and minor in communication from Monmouth University and M.A. in political science from Columbia University, specializing in American politics and political analytics.
Alyssa is available for comment on national, state, and local politics, or to speak about pre-election polling, issue polling, public opinion and policymaking, political communication, and media and politics. She can also provide federal, state, and local election analysis with expertise in voting behavior, election administration, and trends in partisan affiliation among demographic groups.
Mission and Activities
The William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at 淫性视频 is nonpartisan, advancing 淫性视频鈥檚 mission as a leader in public higher education by fostering civic engagement, conducting research, and facilitating informed discussions on key issues. As a policy center located in a public institution of higher education, we play a critical role in preparing New Jersey's workforce and fostering civic and community engagement in our region, giving people access to educational and other opportunities. We are also dedicated to analyzing New Jersey politics and public policy.
The Hughes Center鈥檚 core activities include:
- Public opinion polling on elections, policy, and political trends
- Policy research to inform decision-makers and the public
- Public event series featuring prominent speakers
- Election debates and forums to connect voters with candidates
- Podcast series on timely policy issues and debates
- Funding faculty research on timely policy issues
- Financially supporting student interns in Washington D.C. with transportation scholarships
- Providing students opportunities to intern and work with faculty on policy research and civic engagement
Through these initiatives, the Hughes Center enhances 淫性视频鈥檚 visibility beyond Southern New Jersey, attracting notable speakers and media recognition in major national outlets.
Public Speaker Series
The Hughes Center hosts public events featuring influential voices from New Jersey and beyond, including policymakers, public service advocates, journalists, and media professionals. Supported by donors and 淫性视频, these free events promote civic dialogue and community engagement.
We welcome speaker suggestions and collaboration opportunities with organizations and individuals committed to public policy and civic engagement.
Civic Engagement and Leadership in New Jersey
The Hughes Center fosters civic engagement through partnerships and programs such as:
- Hosting election debates that connect voters with candidates at local, state, and national levels.
- Recognizing civic leadership through a biannual Hughes Center Honors event celebrating public service in New Jersey.
- Collaborating with organizations like the American Association for State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) to advance democratic participation of students and community members.
An Advisory Board of prominent regional leaders provides strategic guidance and broad community support.
Polling and Research on Elections, Political Trends, and Policy
The 淫性视频 Polling Institute at the Hughes Center conducts independent public opinion polling on:
- New Jersey voter behavior and turnout trends
- Election analysis and political dynamics
- Salient policy issues affecting the public and key stakeholders
Through its research services, the Center also supports faculty research through its Public Policy Research Fellows program, offering funding for projects aligned with its mission. Additionally, the Hughes Center is available for contracted research services for government agencies and private clients.
Continuing the Legacy of Ambassador William J. Hughes
Founding and Support
The establishment of the Hughes Center was marked by 淫性视频鈥檚 first $1 million endowment, announced at its dedication on May 22, 2008. This endowment was the culmination of a successful fundraising effort, demonstrating public support for the Center鈥檚 mission. Since its inception, the Hughes Center has exceeded expectations, becoming a respected conduit for public opinion and a voice for South Jersey in public policy matters.
Legacy of William J. Hughes
The Hughes Center was named for the late Ambassador William J. Hughes of Ocean City, whose distinguished career included service in the U.S. House of Representatives, as Ambassador to Panama, and as a Distinguished Visiting Professor at 淫性视频. Ambassador Hughes was a native of southern New Jersey, and his career in public service spanned over 50 years, dedicated to the prosperity and freedom of the American people.
Throughout his career, Bill Hughes sponsored numerous projects and initiatives to create jobs, protect the environment, and improve the quality of life in southern New Jersey. Serving in the U.S. House of Representatives for two decades, he was a prominent leader as Chairman of various subcommittees, focusing on crime, retirement income and employment, intellectual property, and judicial administration. Bill Hughes was instrumental in sponsoring legislation to prohibit ocean dumping, protect beaches, enhance the region鈥檚 tourism industry, and coauthored the historic legislation that established New Jersey鈥檚 Pinelands National Reserve.
