Graduating PLS senior Malcom Charles has been “an ambassador for the department” in his four years at Michigan State University, and it is for that reason – among many others – that Dr. Eric Gonzalez Juenke nominated him as the Political Science Outstanding Senior.
Political Science students Lola Browne and Jerome Hamilton Jr both brought home first place awards in this year’s University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum (UURAF).
For his research on foreign direct investment, asymmetric political rhetoric and several other areas, Michael Conte has been named the recipient 2024 Political Science Undergraduate Research Award.
Christine Mason Soneral, senior vice president and general counsel for ITC Holdings, joined together with fellow PLS alum Steve Faulkner, Managing Director and head of Private Business Advisory in J.P. Morgan Private Bank’s Advice Lab, for a networking event in Political Science’s Careers in PLS Series.
Political Science Pre-law senior Paige Strawska has been awarded the 2024 Political Science Undergraduate Assistance Award for her research into Chinese politics.
Dr. Nura Sedique is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science and a core faculty member in the Muslim Studies program. Her research focuses on the intersections of race, religion and gender with political behavior and preferences.
Graduating Political Science senior Megan Smejkal has been awarded the department’s Public Service Award, announced department chair Dr. Jeff Conroy-Krutz.
Michigan State University has nominated third-year student Abigail Rodriguez for the nationally competitive Beinecke Scholarship. Results of the scholarship competition will be announced in April.
Jacob Novak, a recent Michigan State University graduate who earned a double Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and History in three years, is already making a positive impact in the lives of others. Novak is now working as the domestic violence court administrative and pretrial compliance coordinator under the honorable Judge Cynthia Ward at the 54A District Court in Lansing.
MSU PLS graduate Mikaylah Heffernan is the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s legislative liaison. Heffernan previously worked as a House Democratic Policy Advisor for the Michigan House of Representatives, focusing on agriculture and natural resources.
Luz Vazquez currently studies political science and public policy in the College of Social Science and brings a dedication to advocating for migrant farmworker awareness, as she grew up in the community. She identified an opportunity to honor farmworkers and took it upon herself to explore how to share these important stories in an exhibition.
Jerome Hamilton Jr., a third year Political Science Pre-Law student, is one of three Michigan State University students nominated for the prestigious Udall Undergraduate Scholarship.
Jerome Hamilton Jr., third-year Political Science Pre-Law student, has been named a finalist for the Truman Scholarship.
Racial identity may play a huge role in political discourse but when it comes to the ballot box, MSU PLS research has found that racial minority candidates have the same chance of succeeding as majority candidates. They may even have a slight advantage.
Political Science Scholars got the chance to explore the halls of the state Capitol in Lansing and meet with high-level elected officials and policy makers at a renewed tradition - a Day at the Capitol.
The 2024 presidential election is squaring up to be a rematch of the 2020 presidential election between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. This comes as Trump continues his primary winning streak. He defeated his only remaining Republican challenger, Nikki Haley, in both South Carolina and Michigan, the most recent primaries ahead of Super Tuesday. As questions arise about how Trump would govern in a second term, some have called attention to what a Trump Administration could mean for American democracy.
MSU PLS senior Liz Armstrong is the first recipient of the Lynch Family Scholarship. She is studying Political Science and minoring in Law, Justice, and Public Policy, and also in her first year of the Linked Master of Public Policy program.
ALEXIS RAMIREZ is a first-generation college senior studying Political Science at Michigan State University with a minor in Business and Law, Justice, and Public Policy. He is from southwest Detroit and is a proud Latino. Alexis is passionate about giving back to the community, having volunteered at Cadillac Urban Gardens and Gleaners Food Bank in the past. He has previously interned with State Representative Tsernoglou and is now interning with US Congresswoman Slotkin. Alexis plans to have a public service career in government. He enjoys reading about current affairs, gaming, watching films, and sports. Alexis was a recipient of the Michigan Government Semester Program Scholarship for 2024.
Josie Danielkiewicz and Jerome Hamilton Jr., both third-year Political Science Pre-Law students, have been nominated for the Truman Scholarship.
Kendall Jones is a senior studying Political Science - Prelaw with a minor in Law, Justice, and Public Policy. She plans to attend law school in the Fall 2024. Kendall is from Muskegon, Michigan. She transferred to MSU from Muskegon Community College, where she spent two years playing college soccer. Kendall enjoys giving back to her community by volunteering at the Kids' Food Basket in Muskegon and the Greater Lansing Food Bank. She enjoys working out and spending time with friends and family in her free time. She is beyond excited to be a part of the MGSP this semester and to intern with Judge Rosemarie Aquilina. Kendall was a recipient of the Michigan Government Semester Program Scholarship for 2024.
SOUAD BAZZI is a rising junior at Michigan State University, studying Pre-law and Political Science with a minor in law, justice, and public policy. Growing up as a first-generation Lebanese American from her hometown, Dearborn, Michigan, Souad is deeply committed to inciting change in areas such as immigration rights, reproductive freedom, and bottom-up political advocacy. With a background in a grassroots political campaign, she gained experience in networking with a diverse range of people, directing community engagement, and navigating the complexities of local-level policy processes. Her ultimate goal is to pursue a career as a public defender and, someday, the House of Representatives to be an unwavering advocate for marginalized groups and the voice for the underrepresented. Outside of her academic endeavors, she enjoys yoga, reading, and playing with her two goldendoodles. Souad was a recipient of the Michigan Government Semester Program Scholarship for 2024.
Malik Washington currently serves as City Council Liaison for the City of Detroit Mayor’s Office. Prior to his current role, he worked for the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to support a variety of tasks related to statewide transit policy, travel trend analysis, and project development. Malik earned a Master of Public Policy degree from MSU in 2020. He also has a bachelor’s degree in public policy at MSU.
MSU PLS Associate Professor Erica Frantz wrote for The Conversation about former president Donald Trump and democracy.
Students from MSU Political Science in the College of Social Scientists brought home awards at this year’s Diversity Research Showcase hosted by MSU Honors College. This annual university-wide showcase features MSU undergraduate student work or work in progress on issues of diversity that advance inclusion.
Dr. Marco Morucci has accepted an offer for a new position in computational social science with the MSU Department of Political Science.
Matt Grossmann is the director of Michigan State University’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research, as well as a professor in the Department of Political Science in the College of Social Science. Grossmann is an expert in both state and national politics. He answers questions about how to understand different systems and the role Michigan will play in 2024.
Michigan State University sophomore Elaina Rankin’s interest in becoming a public defender bloomed when she was just a freshman at Avondale High School in Auburn Hills.
MSU Political Science Scholar Malcom Charles was recently awarded a First Generation Leadership Award.
Pete Buttigieg, Secretary of Transportation will be former Governor Jim Blanchard’s special guest at his upcoming MSU Public Service Forum on November 29, 2023 at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center in East Lansing.
Dr. Sarah Reckhow's Urban Politics class puts together the latest editions of their local voting guide.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Jen Flood, who earned her Master of Public Policy in the MSU Department of Political Science in the College of Social Science, will lead the State Budget Office as its new director beginning in mid-November after Chris Harkins accepted a new position outside of state government.
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. Final application deadline is Nov. 1!
Publishing an ad for an apartment or rental home in Spanish may seem like it would broaden the pool of potential renters, but new research by PLS assistant professor Dr. John Kuk shows it can harm rental-seekers’ perception of the property and its neighborhood.
Sarah Cantwell, along with her husband Matthew, received the Alumni Service Award, given to alumni who have demonstrated service to MSU and/or meritorious public service on a local, state, national or international level. Sarah earned her master’s in public administration from the Department of Political Science in 2005, while Matthew is a 2004 graduate of the Eli Broad College of Business. They are known as dedicated community leaders, philanthropists and Spartans.
Political Science Scholar Megan Smejkal is one of 10 MSU students nominated for the prestigious Marshall Scholarship. Megan is majoring in Political Science, Economics and History in the College of Social Science. She is a graduate of Prospect High School in Mount Prospect, Illinois.
Detroit InnovateGov Program Coordinator Chayse Hurley and Elias Kokaly, an Anti-Money Laundering Specialist, are this year's Young Alumni Awards from the College of Social Science.
When Tina and Jon Lynch were dating as undergraduate students at Michigan State University, they used to wander along the banks of the Red Cedar River and talk about their future and how they would give back to the university where they met. “Back then we would take walks in the neighborhood across the street from Rather Hall and along the Red Cedar, dreaming about what life had in store for us. Even then we hoped to one day give back to the place that had given so much to us,” Tina said. “For our family, Michigan State is more than a school - it’s our home.” More than 30 years later, the Lynchs, both College of Social Science alumni and residents of Midland, have have fulfilled that dream when they endowed the Jon & Tina Lynch Family Promoting Civility Scholarship fund.
Alyssa Konesky, Political Science major, and Devin Woodruff, Public Policy major, have been selected as members of the MSU Homecoming Court for 2023.
Three MSU Political Science Master of Public Policy students have been awarded Ira Polley Memorial Scholarships for their exceptional work both inside and outside the classroom.
As part of the Flint Study Away program, Matt Sigers has been working out of Flint City Hall since June 1. Among his favorite parts of the program has been the chance to get out into the community of Flint. He worked the City of Flint booth at this summer’s Harmony Festival, passing out information about different city programs and items like water filters.
"Political science student Jacob Pickett has been interning in the Office of Genesee County Clerk/Register of Deeds and is gaining firsthand knowledge of county government at work. Through his internship he is helping to revitalize the office of County Clerk/Register and put new practices in place to make residents experiences easier and more user friendly.”
Senior David Luc is interning with the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation as part of the Flint Study Away program.
Dr. Cristina Bodea has written an article on the negative effects of the Federal Reserve's most recent hike has on developing countries.
The 2023 Mid-Michigan Symposium for Undergraduate Research Experiences was held July 26 in the STEAM Teaching and Learning Facility with more than 330 students presenting their research including several from the MSU Political Science department.
Will sharing a hobby or favorite movie make you like a politician more? The chances are pretty good, and it might even lead to a decrease in partisanship and division between political parties, found MSU Political Science Professor Jennifer Wolak.
Eminent political philosopher Dr. Arthur M. Melzer has retired from his positions of Political Science Professor and co-director of the LeFrak Forum Symposium on Science, Reason, and Modern Democracy.
MSU Department of Political Science is pleased to share that two PSL professors earned promotions that were approved by the MSU Board of Trustees at their June meeting.
Angela Solomon is an undergraduate student pursuing dual degrees in broadcast journalism and political science pre-law. Currently serving as the chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer for the Associated Students of Michigan State University, she actively works toward creating an inclusive campus environment. Solomon also designed the 2023 artwork, “A Summer of Freedom,” for the third annual MSU Juneteenth Celebration.
The MSU Political Science Department honored students at their Spring Graduation Reception at the Broad Museum on May 5, 2023.
MSU’s Department of Political Science and Michigan Government Semester Program celebrated the 22 students participating in the intensive internship program this Spring semester and thanked supporters of the program. We were delighted to have Senate Majority Leader, Winnie Brinks, join us as our Keynote Speaker.
World Politics senior Zachary Zahrt has been awarded the College of Social Science Humanitarian Award for "providing support, aid and action designed to save lives, alleviate suffering and maintain and protect human dignity during and in the aftermath of crises."
MSU PLS is pleased to announce recent graduates Zachary Crawford and Daria Lindquist have been presented with the first Public Service Award by the department.
Two faculty members from the Department of Political Science have been honored with All-University Awards by Provost Thomas Jeitschko.
Political Science Chair Dr. Jeffrey Conroy-Kurtz authored this article in The Conversation about governments imposing limits on media.
Dr. Bodea, Professor of Political Science, is speaking on Leadership and Management: Managing Change, Culture and Diversity in a volatile environment
Eleanor Nagel-Bennett is the inaugural recipient of the Political Science Undergraduate Assistant Award.
MSU Political Science is pleased to announce the recipient of the first Undergraduate Research Award goes to senior Jillian Jezak.
MSU Political Science PhD students Alejandra Lopez-Villegas and Jonathan King were given the annual graduate student awards at a reception May 5.
Political Science Scholar Mikayla Stokes has been named the Outstanding Senior for 2023.
This semester, a record-breaking 206 graduating students were recognized by the Michigan State University Board of Trustees for achieving the highest scholastic average — a 4.0 GPA. Each semester, students graduating with a 4.0 GPA are presented with the Board of Trustees’ Award for their academic excellence. Additionally, each awardee will be acknowledged during their individual commencement ceremonies in May and will receive $1,000 from the university in recognition of their accomplishment.
The MSU Political Science Department, together with the African Studies Center, is pleased to offer two annual scholarships to qualified MSU students to cover the program costs for a six-week internship in Lusaka, Zambia from June to mid-July 2023. The program is based at the Southern African Institute for Policy and Research, with affiliations to the University of Zambia’s Institute of Economic and Social Science Research.
Erika Vallejo is a PhD student in the Department of Political Science and is pursuing a graduate certificate in Chicano/Latino Studies. She has been selected to receive the Julian Samora Graduate Endowed Scholarship for Fall 2023 – Spring 2024 from the Julian Samora Research Institute.
Dr. Frantz's article "Putin’s Forever War" was co-authored by Andrea Kendall-Taylor, senior fellow and director of the Transatlantic Security Program at the Center for a New American Security.
A paper in the Journal of Public Policy by Associate Professor Nazita Lajevardi was cited in President Joe Biden’s 2023 Economic Report.
MSU PLS Professor Matt Grossmann, director of @IPPSR and a Senior Fellow at the Niskanen Center in Washington, DC, interviewed fellow PLS Associate Professor Dr. Eric Gonzalez Juenke about what could be holding back non-white candidates for office in this Niskanen Center podcast.
Students from all majors have a wide variety of opportunities to check out careers in many fields over the next month. Registration available through Handshake.
InnovateGov Summer 2023 has extended its application deadline until March 1.
MSU Honors College announced this week that David Koster, an Honors College junior majoring in Political Science-Prelaw, and Economics with a minor in Law, Justice, and Public Policy in the College of Social Science, is among the five nominees for the prestigious Truman Scholarship.
We are excited to announce that the Political Science Graduate Student Association will host a Diversity Focused Research Paper Contest for PLS undergraduate and graduate students.
MSU PLS is pleased to announce the runner up of the 2023 MGSP Scholarship is senior Jolie Lawrence.
Dr. Frantz and co-author Andrea Kendall-Taylor have contributed to the blog Democracy Paradox.
MSU PLS is pleased to announce another winner of the 2023 MGSP Scholarship is Hannah Hall.
MSU PLS is pleased to announce the winner of the 2023 MGSP Scholarship is junior Liz Armstrong.
Four undergraduate researchers from Political Science were awarded prizes at this year's research showcase, hosted by the MSU Honors College.
Welcome to 22 new participants enrolled in the Michigan Government Semester Program for Spring 2023.
Dr. Carolyn Logan published highlights from the new Afrobarometer R9 for the US-Africa Leaders Summit.
MSU PLS Dr. Ana Bracic participated in the Sharper Lens Wider Focus panel discussion on "The Nature of Inequality," organized by James Madison College.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.