Kathryn A VanderMolen

Kathryn A VanderMolen serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science and International Studies at the University of Tampa, with contact information including phone (813) 257-3260 and email kvandermolen@ut.edu. Her office is located in the Kennedy Boulevard Building (Room KBB-104) at 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33606.

Education:

• 2016: Ph.D., University of Missouri

Research Focus: Dr. VanderMolen specializes in American state politics and legislative behavior, examining how state political institutions—particularly state legislatures—function amid federal polarization. Her work argues that states have become increasingly active policymakers warranting scholarly attention, with research published in peer-reviewed journals and a forthcoming book chapter on Florida's elections and partisan change.

Awards:

• CSSME Award for Outstanding Teaching (2020-2021)

Academic Contributions: She teaches core courses including Congress and Legislative Politics, The Presidency and Executive Power, State Politics, and Introduction to American Government. As department internship coordinator, she bridges academic theory with practical experience while maintaining active research on state-level political dynamics.