ACADEMICS

Program Staff

Matthew Kwasiborski
AIPES Director
Matthew Kwasiborski joined The Fund for American Studies in the February of 2005. Matt earned his BA in history from Loyola University New Orleans and received his MA in Executive Leadership from the Thierry Graduate School of Leadership located in Belgium. He has experience teaching ESL in Hungary where he wrote and directed the play, “A Dawn of a New Era,” created and recommended ESL curriculum, and served as a tutor for the citizens of Fonyod. He was an administrator for the "Summer in Switzerland" program located at the Leysin American School that served international high school students. He has taught world religions, Christian vocations, morality, computers, and also served as a basketball coach for Mount Carmel Academy in New Orleans, LA. From 2001-2004 he has served as the Director of the Loyola University Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America program in New Orleans and worked directly for the President of Loyola University. Matt was a 2004 nominee for the Leon J. Obermayer Award given to an outstanding alumnus or alumna of the School District of Philadelphia.

Teaching Assistants 2008

Ileana Nicorici -American Government
Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris
Ileana is currently enrolled in the bilingual Master’s program in International Security / Sécurité Internationale at Sciences Po, formally known as the Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris, concentrating on armed conflicts law, terrorism and intelligence. She holds an Honors B.Sc. in International Economic Relations from the Academy of Economic Studies in Bucharest, Romania and has a vivid, academically pursued background in mathematics. Ileana attended AIPES 2005. She is fond of tennis, art and summers in Prague.

Samuel Joseph Potolicchio-American Government
Georgetown University
Sam Potolicchio holds a B.A. from Georgetown University in Psychology and Government and a Masters of Theological Studies from Harvard University. While in Boston, Sam was certified as a public school social studies teacher and he taught Law, History, and American Studies at Belmont High School. He is currently a PhD candidate in Government at Georgetown University, where his research focuses on religion and politics. Sam is also a youth basketball coach and his team, the Jelleff Hoyas, recently finished an undefeated championship season. 

Ann Zerkle-Economics
Clemson University
Ann Reed is currently a PhD Candidate in Economics at Clemson University. She completed her Bachelor's in Economics and Mathematics at Capital University in 2005, graduating summa cum laude. Ann has taught and tutored her way through college and graduate school. Her interests include Public Finance, Public Policy and Labor Economics. After completing her PhD, she hopes to work abroad. In her free time, Ann enjoys playing the piano and completing crossword puzzles. She is owned by a sweet hedgehog named Betty.

Kerry Waller-Economics
Clemson University
Kerry is a PhD candidate at Clemson University.  He completed his Bachelor's degree in Economics at Dickinson College in 1992.  Since then he has worked for a major insurance company and as an instructor for a software company.  Kerry earned the prestigious Hugh McCauley Award for best first year grad student in Economics. He also earned an Earhart Fellowship for the 2006-2007 academic year. Kerry’s paper titled, "The Progress of the Betting in a Baseball Game" will be published by the Public Choice this fall. His interests include Public Policy, Industrial Organization and Sports Economics.   Kerry is an avid sports fan and enjoys watching matches with his three brothers.