Joshua R. Thorp

Joshua R. Thorp is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, and a PhD candidate in American and Comparative Politics at the University of Michigan (expected 2025). His research examines disability as a dimension of political identity, focusing on how political cohesion emerges in minority groups through policy feedback, stigma, and protest exposure. Methodologically, he specializes in experimental and survey techniques to measure intergroup dynamics and political socialization.

• University of Arkansas, Fayetteville - Assistant Professor (2025)
• University of Michigan - PhD Candidate, American & Comparative Politics
• Research Focus: Disability Politics, Political Psychology, Public Opinion, Welfare Attitudes

His published work in Political Psychology and the Journal of Experimental Political Science analyzes vulnerability appeals during crises and conditionality in welfare support for disabled populations. Supported by grants from the British Academy/Leverhulme Trust and Time-Sharing Experiments for Social Sciences (TESS), he connects disability studies with mainstream political behavior research through innovative frameworks.

Active in academic networks, Thorp co-organized panels at the APSA Virtual Research Meeting on disability politics and contributes to open science initiatives. He maintains a professional presence via joshthorp.com and engages with peers on Bluesky (@joshuathorp.bsky.social).