Kathryn L. Pearson

Kathryn L. Pearson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Minnesota's College of Liberal Arts. She specializes in American politics, with a focus on the U.S. Congress, congressional elections, political parties, and women and politics. Her work integrates quantitative analysis and elite interviews to explore legislative dynamics and gendered partisanship.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Political Science, University of California, Berkeley (2005)
• B.A. in Government, Claremont McKenna College (1993)

Research Highlights:

Her book Party Discipline in the House of Representatives (2015) analyzes party leaders' strategic use of legislative tools to enforce loyalty. A new project examines congresswomen's pursuit of power in polarized environments. Her work has appeared in journals like the Journal of Politics and Politics & Gender.

Awards:

• Morse Alumni Award for Outstanding Contributions to Undergraduate Education
• APSA Carl Albert Award (Best Dissertation in Legislative Studies)

Experience:

Previously a Research Fellow at the Brookings Institution (2002-2003) and a Legislative Assistant on Capitol Hill (1993-1998).