Todd Makse

Todd Makse is an Associate Professor in the Department of Politics and International Relations at Florida International University (FIU), where he also serves as Director of Undergraduate Studies. His academic work is situated within the School of International and Public Affairs, focusing on American state and legislative politics, political behavior, elections, and representation.

Education:

• B.A., Rice University, 2001
• M.A., Ohio State University, 2005
• Ph.D., Ohio State University, 2010

Dr. Makse's research explores how expertise, political expression, and institutional design shape legislative outcomes and citizen engagement. His work emphasizes visible forms of participation, such as political yard signs, and how they reflect and influence political polarization and social dynamics. He investigates policy diffusion, legislative effectiveness, and the role of professional backgrounds in policymaking. His co-authored book, Politics on Display: Yard Signs and the Politicization of Social Spaces, is a seminal contribution to understanding the sociopolitical significance of everyday political displays.

His recent publications (2025–2011) span topics in legislative behavior, agenda-setting, redistricting, and political participation. The articles reveal a strong focus on state legislatures, the mechanisms of policy diffusion, and the micro-dynamics of political expression within communities. His work frequently employs spatial and network analysis to understand how political behaviors spread and evolve.

Scientific Awards:

• No awards listed in the provided text.

Dr. Makse has held faculty positions at Susquehanna University, Dickinson College, and Radford University before joining FIU. He advises students in political science, particularly in areas related to American politics and research methodology, though specific advisees are not named. He has not disclosed any externally funded grants in the provided text. His research has been published in leading journals such as The Journal of Politics, Legislative Studies Quarterly, and Political Behavior. There is no mention of lab affiliations or research teams in the provided information.