About
The Emerging Studies Institute (ESI) supports and accelerates the creation of new programs at the undergraduate, graduate, certificate and non-degree levels at Georgetown University. By providing institutional and logistical resources for academic innovation, ESI equips Georgetown to anticipate and address the needs of current and prospective scholars and respond agilely to an evolving higher education landscape.
Meet The Team
Francis Vella is the inaugural Edmond V. Villani Professor in the Department of Economics. His area of
research is econometrics. He received an undergraduate degree from the University of Sydney, a
Masters degree from the Australian National University, and a PhD from the University of Rochester.
Prior to joining Georgetown, he held positions at Rice University, Rutgers University, NYU and the
European University Institute. His research has been published in leading journals including
Econometrica, The Review of Economic Studies, The Journal of Econometrics and The Journal of Political
Economy. He is an elected fellow of the Econometric Society and the International Association of
Applied Econometrics. He has also served as the Co-Editor of The Journal of Applied Econometrics.
He has had several administrative roles at Georgetown including Special Advisor to the President for
International Engagement, Director of Georgetown Center for Economic Research, Director of
Georgetown Center of Econometric Practice, and Developmental Director of the Emerging Studies
Institute.
Dr. Kelly Grady is Associate Director of Program Development and Innovation at Georgetown University’s Emerging Studies Institute. She partners with faculty and institutional leaders to design, develop, and launch innovative educational offerings across undergraduate, graduate, executive education, and non-credit portfolios. Her work focuses on translating academic vision into mission-aligned programs that respond to emerging societal needs, learner demand, and institutional priorities.
With more than 20 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Grady has led initiatives in academic innovation, student success, enrollment strategy, and organizational change. She also serves as a Georgetown University Medical Center Bias Reduction and Inclusion Coach, adjunct professor, and leadership coach. Prior to joining the Emerging Studies Institute, she served as Associate Director for Interdisciplinary Studies and Advising Dean for the Midwifery and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner programs at Georgetown University. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and exploring the outdoors with her dog.
Jennifer Jantzen is the Program Coordinator for the Emerging Studies Institute, supporting graduate students from application to graduation through recruitment and admissions, academic planning and advising and other various programmatic needs. She has a strong background in event planning, student support and communications.
Prior to joining the Institute, Jennifer supported the M.S. Addiction Policy & Practice and M.S. Health and the Public Interest programs at the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, guiding the two programs through an organizational transition in 2026.
Outside of the office, Jennifer is a writer and musician, and runs a biweekly poetry workshop in the District.
Daniel Hoffman supports the strategy and business operations for the Emerging Studies Institute. He manages budgeting, financing, and procurement. He has a strong background in accounting, financial planning and corporate finance.
Prior to joining the Institute, Daniel supported the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences and the Joint Office of Graduate Studies.
You can find Daniel camping in the Shenandoah Valley in his free time.