2022 News Archives
MSU PLS professor discusses the US-Africa Leaders Summit in the Washington Post
December 12, 2022
Dr. Carolyn Logan published highlights from the new Afrobarometer R9 for the US-Africa Leaders Summit.
MSU PLS professor participates in "The Nature of Inequality" discussion
December 7, 2022 - Claire Smith
MSU PLS Dr. Ana Bracic participated in the Sharper Lens Wider Focus panel discussion on "The Nature of Inequality," organized by James Madison College.
Student view: The importance of academic research, alumni connections
December 7, 2022 - Ryan Weinberg
Ryan Weinberg is a dual political science and criminal justice senior in the College of Social Science where she is a Social Science Scholar and a Political Science Scholar.
Former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta urges young people to become active in their communities and their government
November 30, 2022 - Karessa Weir
Former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta shared stories from his four decades of public service as a soldier, Congressman, budget officer, intelligence head and leader of the armed forces at this year’s Gov. Jim Blanchard Public Service Forum hosted by the College of Social Science.
PLS senior Macken Keefe named Mitchell Scholar
November 21, 2022
Keefe is the sixth Mitchell Scholar from Michigan State University. He is pursuing a joint Master of Public Policy degree in the College of Social Science, with minors in peace and justice studies, and law, justice and public policy.
MSU senior Macken Keefe named national finalist for Mitchell Scholarship
November 14, 2022
Macken Keefe is a finalist for the Mitchell Scholarship. He is an Honors College senior majoring in political science and global and international studies in social science, with minors in peace and justice studies, and law, justice and public policy. He is also pursuing a joint Master of Public Policy degree in the College of Social Science. Keefe is a member of Social Science Scholars and Political Science Scholars. His research mentors are John Waller, Ph.D., Brendan Mullan, Ph.D., Heather McCauley, Ph.D., and Ryan Black, Ph.D. Keefe graduated from Rim of the World High School in Lake Arrowhead, California.
How to Inspire the Next Generation: Social Scientists Examine Motivation among Minority Groups to Run for Office
November 14, 2022 - Emily Jodway
It’s a phrase heard often this time of year: “Your vote matters.” But the words ring true, and now more than ever we are seeing the emergence of an increasingly diverse pool of political candidates, because for some, voting isn’t enough. There is an impassioned rise in the number of minority candidates throwing their hats into the political ring. these individuals are stepping up to fight and push for legislation as a voice for those who may not have one.
Men don’t trust female central bankers on inflation or the economy, survey data shows
November 1, 2022 - Drs. Cristina Bodea and Andrew Kerner
Americans are less likely to trust statements from the Federal Reserve about interest rates when a U.S. central bank official portrayed as a woman delivers the information as opposed to a man, according to a new study by Drs. Cristina Bodea, Professor of Political Science and Andrew Kerner, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Michigan State University.
MSU PLS faculty awarded Provost's Undergraduate Research Initiative grant
October 31, 2022
The College of Social Science announced the recipients of the SSC-Provost’s Undergraduate Research Initiative Program (SSC-PURI), which supports undergraduate research through awards of up to $2,000 for Fall-Spring semesters for students majoring in our College.
Blanchard Forum presents an evening with Sec. Leon E. Panetta
October 30, 2022
Governor Jim Blanchard Public Service Forum presents An Evening with Former Defense Secretary and CIA Director, Leon Panetta "This is going to be a fabulous program with discussions ranging from the war in Ukraine to Panetta's views on the November election and our outlook for the next Congress. No one has had a more diverse set of high-level experiences in our US Government over the past four decades than Leon Panetta, "according to Blanchard. "It's going to be an exciting and informative program." Leon Panetta is currently Chairman of the Panetta Institute for Public Policy in Monterrey, California.
Deadline approaching for Washington DC Semester Program
October 24, 2022
MSU has partnered with The Washington Center (TWC) to provide students with hands-on experience in politics, policy, and governance during a semester-long internship spent in Washington D.C. This is a perfect way to apply your knowledge outside of the classroom and to make connections for your future career. Applications are due Wednesday Nov. 2.
Artifical intelligence in medicine may increase exclusion
October 17, 2022 - Karessa Weir
Dr. Ana Bracic, Assistant Professor, has published a new article in the journal Science that highlights the dangers of increasing exclusion of minority populations through the use of artificial intelligence in medicine.
MSU PLS senior Macken Keefe nominated for Mitchell Scholarship
October 16, 2022
MSU PLS senior Macken Keefe has been nominated for the prestigious Mitchell Scholarship.
MSU PLS alumna taking over head of national health and well-being nonprofit
October 4, 2022 - Karessa Weir
Rebecca (Becky) Payne, an alum of the Department of Political Science in the MSU College of Social Science, has been selected as president and CEO of The Fannie E. Rippel Foundation. Payne earned her bachelor of science degree in Public Policy from MSU in 1997 and went on to earn a Master of Public Health degree from Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.
In El Salvador and elsewhere, leaders find ways to break term limits
October 3, 2022 - Dr. Erica Frantz
Erica Frantz, Andrea Kendall-Taylor and Joseph Wright write in The Washington Post that "personalist party leaders like Bukele are more likely to try to expand executive power — including attempts to alter term limit rules — putting democratic governance at risk."
MGSP Scholarships Available for Spring 2023
September 28, 2022
To spur more students to pursue careers in public service and help offset the cost of completing an internship, MSU’s Department of Political Science, in con-junction with generous donors, offers two scholarships to students participating in our prestigious Michigan Government Semester Program (MGSP).
New Season of Minority Politics Online Seminar Series Begins
September 21, 2022 - Shelly DeJong
A new season of Minority Politics Online Seminar Series (MPOSS) kicks off on September 27th. This series, hosted by Drs. Ana Bracic and Nazita Lajevardi from the Department of Political Science, and Dr. Mark J. Brandt from the Department of Psychology, uniquely focuses on how politics affect and is affected by marginalized people who have less power and are often excluded from the system.
MSU PLS grad to receive Young Alumni Award
September 18, 2022
Dr. Farhan Bhatti graduated with Honors from MSU Political Science in 2006. Since then he has earned his medical degree and become a family physician while remaining politically active.
MPP students awarded the Ira Polley Memorial Scholarship
September 12, 2022
Two MSU Political Science Master of Public Policy students have been awarded Ira Polley Scholarships for their exceptional work both inside and outside the classroom, MPP officials announced this week.
Dr. Sarah Reckhow receives grant to gauge satisfaction in public service
September 5, 2022 - Karessa Weir
The Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR) is pleased to announce that seven team faculty research proposals have been selected to receive funding through the Michigan Applied Public Policy Research (MAPPR) grant program. IPPSR is housed in the College of Social Science at Michigan State University.
Relying on social media for news increases support for anti-Muslim policies, new PLS research finds
August 1, 2022 - Karessa Weir
The more people use social media as a news source, the more exposed they are to false and prejudicial content. And it the case of anti-Muslim content, the more likely they are to support anti-Muslim policies as a result.
MSU PLS Student Luz Vazquez Hernandez Speaks at National Conference
July 28, 2022 - Liz Fuller
Rising Political Science sophomore Luz Vazquez Hernandez was back home in Mulberry, Florida when she learned that she had been selected to speak at the Office of Migrant Education (OME) 2022 Annual Director’s Meeting. She felt nervous and a little bit scared at the prospect, but excited too. She would be provided an all-expenses paid trip to Washington D.C. for the event and would join other students there on stage to share her story. When Luz fearlessly took to the podium on July 20, 2022, she was representing not only herself but also her fellow scholars within MSU’s College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP).
Dr. Jennifer Wolak: Will Biden's age keep him from being reelected?
July 20, 2022
MSU Political Science Professor Dr. Jennifer Wolak published this analysis in The Washington Post's Monkey Cage, finding that young people are most critical of older politicians.
Two PLS students on the 2022 Homecoming Court
July 11, 2022
MSU Political Science students Harnoor Kaur and Zachary Crawford have been selected to represent Michigan State University on the Homecoming Court for 2022.
PLS Professor Ryan Black discusses Roe v. Wade decision
June 27, 2022
PLS Professor Ryan Black is a professor of American politics within the MSU College of Social Science. Black is one of the nation’s leading authorities on the U.S. Supreme Court.
MSU PLS PhD student Nikolaos Frantzeskakis wins Rhode Fellowship and Best Paper Award
May 30, 2022 - Karessa Weir
Frantzeskakis is the first recipient of the Rhode Fellowship, endowed in memory of Dr. William Rhode, the first person to receive a political science PhD from MSU.
Who is William Rhode? Meet MSU's first Political Science PhD recipient
May 29, 2022
Dr. William E. Rhode is the first person to earn a doctorate in Political Science at Michigan State University.
PLS PhD Teaching Award for 2022 goes to Jonathan Spiegler
May 16, 2022
Jon is the recipient of the Interdisciplinary Inquiry and Teaching Fellowship from the James Madison College at MSU, and teaches classes on American political philosophy, public policy, and public administration.
“Enjoy the journey” is the message of this year’s University Convocation student speaker, political science major Danielle McClain
May 5, 2022 - Karessa Weir
Political Science senior Danielle McClain hopes to encourage and motivate students to celebrate their journey to graduation as the 2022 University Convocation Speaker.
MGSP Spotlight: Chandler Harris
May 1, 2022
Congratulations to Chandler Harris as he completes his participation in the Michigan Government Semester Program. Chandler, originally from Dallas, is interning with Lansing Chamber of Commerce.
MSU PLS students win UURAF Awards
April 27, 2022 - Katherine Denzin
Kadrianna Cohen, Isabelle Fanning and Nel Robinson all earned awards at this 2022 University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum.
Dr. Jeffrey Conroy-Krutz to be new MSU PLS interim chairperson
April 26, 2022
College of Social Science Dean Mary Finn announced Dr. Conroy-Krutz would lead the department starting Aug. 16.
Lilli Meng selected as College commencement speaker
April 26, 2022 - Liz Schondelmayer
For graduating seniors, the end of the Spring semester can bring so many emotions: from excitement, joy and pride to uncertainty and anxiety about the future. This is why Lilli Meng, a Political Science senior at Michigan State University, is focusing the speech she will give at the College of Social Science Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony on the hard work and tenacity that has carried her and her peers this far.
MGSP Spotlight: Ja'Miya Grace
April 26, 2022
This week, we shine the spotlight on Michigan Government Semester Program participant Ja'Miya Grace who is interning with Michigan House Democratic Caucus Constituent Services & Councilman Brian Jackson, esq.
MSU PLS alumna earns second Gates Cambridge Scholarship
April 25, 2022
Jasmine Jordan has been named a Gates Cambridge Scholar for the second time. In fall 2022 she will begin a PhD in Criminology at the University of Cambridge. Jordan is one of 79 scholars from 30 countries selected to receive the award. MSU has a total of seven Gates Cambridge Scholars.
Dr. Eric Gonzalez Juenke awarded WLI Tomlanovich Equity Research Fund
April 22, 2022
Dr. Juenke and Political Science student Mikayla Stokes submitted a research proposal entitled "Laboratories of Representation: Women and Candidates of Color in State and Local Elections."
MSU PLS graduates receive Board of Trustees' Award for Academic Excellence
April 21, 2022
During its April 22 meeting, the MSU Board of Trustees presented a record-breaking number of graduating seniors with the Board of Trustees’ Award, recognizing their achievement of the highest scholastic average one can receive, a 4.0 GPA.
MSU PLS PhD student Aliyah McIlwain wins Outstanding Policy Report
April 18, 2022
McIlwain was part of a team to write "Partnership Turnaround: Year Three Report" for the 2022 Division L of the American Educational Research Association.
Dr. Dustin Sebell awarded USNA Fellowship
April 11, 2022
Dr. Sebell has been named a resident fellow at the Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership at the U.S. Naval Academy.
MSU PLS research project highlights the relationship between American identity and social contact with minoritized communities
April 10, 2022 - Liz Schondelmayer
MSU PLS Dr. Nazita Lajevardi assisted with student research through the MSU Summer Research Opportunities Program
MSU PLS welcomes a new Dean's Research Associate
April 4, 2022
Dean's Research Associate Raúl Rodríguez will be joining the MSU Department of Political Science from the School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership at Arizona State University. An alum of "Teach for America," Raúl earned his PhD through the University of Notre Dame. His research focuses on American liberal democracy and the teachings of French political philosopher Alexis de Tocqueville.
MSU PLS Summer 2022 Classes announced
April 3, 2022
MSU Political Science is pleased to offer a wide range of courses both PLS and ISS throughout both summer sessions for 2022.
PLS Statement on Ukraine War
March 29, 2022
We oppose the Russian government's invasion of Ukraine, a sovereign country with a democratically elected government. The devastation of war is heartbreaking. While we are physically removed from the violence, observing Ukrainians valiantly fight for their lives, their democracy, and their land is nevertheless taking an emotional toll—particularly for Ukrainian members of our community as well as those who have personal connections to the conflict.
Dr. Charlie Press, former Department Chairperson, has died at age 99
March 29, 2022
Dr. Press joined the MSU Political Science department in 1954, served as chairperson and started the Michigan Political Science Association.
MSU PLS PhDs find jobs around the world
March 24, 2022
The achievement of earning a doctorate in political science from MSU has allowed several recent graduates to secure their dream placements following graduation.
MSU PLS researchers show the lack of women serving in public office
March 24, 2022
Led by Dr. Eric Gonzalez Juenke, Associate Professor in the MSU Department of Political Science with assistance from MSU honors student Mikayla Stokes, the study found that women hold only 27% of County Commission seats in Michigan’s 83 counties. Accordingly, 90% of the county boards are majority men. The study also found that roughly 1 in 6 of Michigan’s County Commissions had no women members in 2021.
Diversity Torch: Lexie Hampton
March 23, 2022 - Liz Schondelmayer
Alexis Hampton is a fourth-year MSU undergraduate majoring in Public Policy. As the vice president of the Women’s Council, she advocates for all women-identifying students on campus.
Former Michigan Governor Jim Blanchard Reflects on the Life and Legacy of Former U.S. Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright
March 23, 2022 - Becky Jensen
Former Governor of Michigan James Blanchard has issued the following statement on the passing of long-time colleague and friend Former U.S. Secretary Madeleine Albright:
MGSP Spotlight: Kennedi Carpenter
March 20, 2022
This week, we shine the spotlight on Michigan Government Semester Program participant Kennedi Carpenter who is interning with the St. Vincent Refugee Services.
InnovateGov '22 holding an information session for prospective students
March 15, 2022
InnovateGov prepares and delivers MSU’s most vital resource – talented and motivated students – to Detroit’s civic institutions while providing our students with a one-of-a-kind opportunity to do real, impactful, and equitable work on the city’s most critical social problems. The Summer 2022 program is now open for applications.
The Beginning of the End for Putin? Dictatorships Look Stable—Until They Aren’t
March 2, 2022 - Dr. Erica Frantz
Dr. Erica Frantz writes in the lead article in Foreign Affairs that Russian President Vladimir Putin's attack on Ukraine may mark the end of Putin's regime.
MGSP Spotlight: Joslyn Miller
March 1, 2022
This week, we shine the spotlight on Michigan Government Semester Program participant Joslyn Miller who is interning with the Ingham County Prosecutor's Office.
Working to Make a Difference with Brenda Becker
February 24, 2022 - Amanda Guinot Talbot, PhD
All of us have things we wish we could change, whether it be in our day-to-day lives or on a larger societal scale. But what we may not realize is that each of us has an innate power to make a difference - as long as we are willing to put in the work and learn as we go.
MGSP Spotlight: Anne Mello
February 22, 2022
MSU PLS is pleased to highlight another member of the Michigan Government Semester Program - Anne Mello.
MSU PLS senior Jayla Irons shares her experience during an overseas study program in Dubai
February 22, 2022
Jayla studied with the Globalization of Consumerism and Community in Dubai program during the winter of 2021.
MGSP Spotlight: Allison VanDerAue
February 15, 2022
This week's Michigan Government Semester Program Spotlight is Political Science Pre-Law junior Allison VanDerAue.
MGSP Spotlight: Fladiana Lopez
February 8, 2022
MSU PLS is pleased to highlight another member of the Michigan Government Semester Program - Fladiana Lopez. Fladiana is a Political Science major with a minor in Peace and Justice Studies.
MGSP Spotlight: Hannah Buhlmann
February 1, 2022
MSU PLS is pleased to highlight another member of the Michigan Government Semester Program - Hannah Buhlmann. Hannah is interning with U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, MI-8th.
MGSP Spotlight: Zachary Crawford
January 25, 2022
MSU PLS is pleased to highlight another member of the Michigan Government Semester Program - Zachary Crawford. Zachary is interning with the Executive Office of the Governor.
MSU PLS expresses solidarity with Jewish community
January 21, 2022
The attack on the Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas that took place on Jan. 15, 2022 was traumatic to many members of our community. The hostage standoff was not an isolated event, but unfolded at a time during which antisemitic attacks, harassment, vandalism have been on the rise.
MGSP Spotlight: Mia Lucchetti
January 18, 2022
MSU PLS is pleased to introduce another member of the Spring 2022 Michigan Government Semester Program - Mia Lucchetti. Mia is currently interning with Public Affairs Associates.
MGSP Spotlight: Macken Keefe
January 11, 2022
MSU PLS is pleased to introduce another member of the Spring 2022 Michigan Government Semester Program - Macken Keefe.
MGSP starts 10th year with the most diverse cohort yet
January 4, 2022 - Karessa Weir
MSU’s Michigan Government Semester Program (MGSP), housed in the Department of Political Science, is about to kick off its tenth year with the most diverse class of students to date.
MGSP Spotlight: Lexi Hubbard
January 4, 2022
MSU PLS is pleased to announce the newest class of Michigan Government Semester Program for Spring 2022. Our first spotlight is PLS junior Lexi Hubbard.