SPS Stories
Alumni Spotlights
Christopher Connolly
Class of 2012
MS in Global Affairs
Global Affairs Alumnus Turns Curiosity Into Global Impact
Fast Facts
- Director at the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI)
- Served in the US Peace Corps in Ecuador and in Peace Corps Response in Malawi
The Road to Global Change
<p>MS in Global Affairs '12 graduate Chris Connolly's academic journey was sparked by his curiosity for how the world’s economies function and, ultimately, how they shape the health outcomes of millions. That drive led him to the NYU SPS Center for Global Affairs (CGA), where he immersed himself in international business, economics, and development.</p>
<p>“I was completely entrenched in my studies because it was all fascinating to me,” recalls Connolly. That same insatiable interest motivates him today, not only in his career as director at Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), but also in the CGA classroom where he serves as an adjunct instructor. Connolly wants his students to not only walk away with a scholarly understanding of the subject matter, but with a firm grasp of the practical applications of what they learn.</p>
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Hands-on Learning in the Field
<p>Some of his own most memorable experiences as a CGA graduate student occurred during field intensives to Ghana and Cuba alongside Divisional Dean Vera Jelinek. These field intensives underscored CGA's emphasis on practical application and applied learning, and provided Connolly with a tangible connection to the global issues he studied in the classroom.</p>
<p>In his current role at Clinton Health Access Initiative, Connolly introduces new medical products to low- and middle-income countries, fostering a competitive marketplace that accelerates access to life-saving technologies. He coordinates across continents, partnering with manufacturers, governments, and donors to ensure that critical products reach those who need them most. "I oversee strategy and operations across multiple large grants funded by multilateral, bilateral and private donors for projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America," he adds.</p>
I am a practitioner at heart. CGA gave me the foundation of knowledge to do what I do. I teach the same way—there is theory but there’s also reality, and I want my students to know both."
<p>His advice to future CGA students is straightforward: "Find your dream job, study its requirements, and work toward fulfilling them." In both his professional and personal endeavors, Connolly serves as a living embodiment of CGA's mission. “I truly believe in [CGA's] ability to positively impact students and the people we serve as part of our careers."</p>
