Barbara Trish

Barbara Trish is a Professor of Political Science at Grinnell College, Iowa. With a Ph.D. from The Ohio State University and a B.A. from University of St. Thomas, she specializes in U.S. politics focusing on political parties, electoral processes, and technological impacts.

• Director, Rosenfield Program (2017-2024)
• Director, Program in Practical Political Education
• Special interest in U.S.-Nanjing University collaborations

Her research examines campaign strategies, data-driven governance, and democratic processes. The 2020 Iowa caucuses underpinned her acclaimed book Inside the Bubble, co-authored with William Menner. She advocates for quantitative literacy in political analysis.

Selected publications:

• Big Data under Obama and Trump (2021)
• Trump's Iowa political organizing (2024)
• DeSantis-linked super PAC finance analysis (2024)

Scientific engagements:

• Diversity Scholars Network member, NCID
• Regular media contributor (Washington Post, The Conversation)

Teaching emphasizes empirical research methods, with students conducting original data analysis. She directs institutional programs promoting quantitative approaches and political education innovation.