Cal U Welcomes GAO Analyst

Mar 26, 2021

Sarah Farkas will speak April 1 as part of the University's Research and Real Life Series.

sarah farkas

Cal U welcomes Sarah Farkas, a senior analyst at the U.S. Government Accountability Office in Washington, D.C., as the final speaker for the spring semester in the Research and Real Life Series, sponsored by the Center for Undergraduate Research. 

She will speak via Zoom from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 1.

The series, which highlights people with roots in western Pennsylvania and the importance of research in their professions, is organized by Dr. Azadeh Block, associate professor of social work and director of Cal U’s Center for Undergraduate Research. 

Farkas joined the GAO’s Physical Infrastructure team in 2009 and has worked on the federal bailouts of General Motors and Chrysler, federal support for the communities where an automotive plan closed during these bailouts and other projects including the safety of trucks, trains, guardrails, runways and automated vehicles.

Before joining the GAO, Farkas worked for a nonprofit organization to analyze how tax and budget issues affect working families. She has worked in Mexico and the Gambia, and has experience as a tutor and substitute teacher. 

The University’s commitment to supporting undergraduate research culminates on April 21 with the annual Strike a Spark Conference on Research, Scholarship and Creative Works.