Francesca Vassallo

Dr. Francesca Vassallo is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Southern Maine, affiliated with the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Her research focuses on political behavior, French and European politics, public opinion, and US-EU relations. She holds a PhD in Government from Georgetown University (2002), and has held visiting research fellowships at institutions including the Australian National University and the University of California Irvine.

• Education:
  • PhD in Government, Georgetown University (2002)
  • MA in German and European Studies, Georgetown University (2000)
  • MA in International Affairs, American University (1996)
  • BA in Political Science, University of Padua, Italy (1993)

Her work bridges conventional and unconventional political activism, including protest movements and social capital dynamics. Notable publications include France, Social Capital and Political Activism (2010) and guest-edited special issues in PS: Political Science & Politics and German Politics and Society. She is currently researching evolving EU support in France.

• Awards and Fellowships:
  • Centre for European Studies Visiting Fellowship (ANU, 2015)
  • UC Irvine Center for the Study of Democracy Research Position (2016)
  • Europa Policy Lab Fellowship (ANU, 2018–2019)

Her global engagement includes lectures and presentations in North America, Europe, and Australia on her research themes.