From the global response to terrorism and the subversive weaponization of narratives, to the evolution of crisis management and guardians of civil liberties — 9/11 forced us to think differently; to rise to new challenges; and to confront the vulnerabilities of our democracy.

Twenty years after the attacks and in observance of the anniversary, ASU News reached out to faculty experts across Arizona State University to share their observations, research and reflections on 9/11’s cultural and global impact on our world — and on their work.

• Read more about How 9/11 changed the ways these faculty teach and research

President Joe Biden’s proposed American Families Plan would spend $1.8 trillion on several programs, including universal preschool education and funding for child care.

• Read more about Healthy child care system vital for economic recovery, ASU expert says

Editor's note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2021 graduates.

Cyrus Commissariat grew up in Los Angeles but moved to Arizona when he was in middle school and has called it home ever since. He is the grandchild and child of immigrants and his family taught him that the value of a good education was critical for succeeding. 

• Read more about Triple major graduates, looks forward to law school

Editor's note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2021 graduates.

Growing up, Trey Leveque saw the importance of having strong business skills in areas like marketing, economics and finance, but he wasn't interested in pursuing a career in business. Through his various leadership roles in high school, he found his passion in public service.

• Read more about ASU grad and future politician focused on the head, heart and hands of civic engagement

As everyone has focused on longer and more frequent hand-washing during the pandemic, the availability of safe, clean water has never been more important.

That necessity, coupled with the increasing awareness of social justice issues, has highlighted the topic of water equity, which was addressed in a new report by experts at Arizona State University.

• Read more about ASU's Kyl Center experts lay out '10 tenets of water equity'

Unlike countries with parliamentary systems, where governing with pluralities rather than majorities is the norm, the United States has only two major parties, meaning usually one or the other is in charge of one or both houses by reasonably comfortable majorities.

That changed after the 2020 election, with the Democrats only barely in control of Congress by about 10 votes in the House of Representatives and, by virtue of Vice President Kamala Harris’ tie-breaking vote, just an official majority in the Senate, which is divided 50-50.

• Read more about Pressure for reelection acts as an obstacle for legislative compromise, ASU professor says

In the wake of the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6, Mayor Muriel Bowser is urging the United States Department of Homeland Security to adjust its security approach ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.

• Read more about Inauguration security moves front and center following Capitol riot

Part-time jobs, which students often take while finishing school, aren’t usually known for their location at the  Arizona State Capitol. Hannah Roehr won’t go full time in her position until she graduates from Arizona State University in December, but she’s already the public information officer, known as a PIO, for one of the state’s top elected officials.

• Read more about Student spotlight: Soon-to-be grad already at work as spokesperson for State Treasurer's Office

• Read more about Hack for Democracy event seeks to increase civic engagement among STEM majors at ASU

• Read more about Motivated by national tragedies, first-gen sophomore dreams of future as a changemaker