Michael E. Morrell

Michael E. Morrell is an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Connecticut. His work focuses on political theory, democratic theory, and political psychology. A graduate of Arizona State University (Ph.D., 1998), Morrell teaches courses ranging from Introduction to Political Theory to advanced seminars on Emotions and Political Theory.

• Ph.D., Arizona State University (1998)
• Specializations: Deliberative Democracy, Empathy in Politics, Democratic Mini-Publics

His research examines deliberative democratic processes, particularly in mini-publics and online news comment platforms, with a focus on how empathy and emotions shape democratic engagement. Recent projects include studies on intellectual humility in public discourse funded by the John Templeton Foundation.

Selected publications highlight his contributions to understanding deliberation, political efficacy, and democratic education. Morrell's work appears in journals like the Journal of Deliberative Democracy, Social Science Quarterly, and Public Opinion Quarterly, with a recurring emphasis on emotional dynamics and deliberative quality.

• Co-PI of $225,000 John Templeton Foundation grant

For detailed information about his research, visit his Research Project Web Page.