Vanessa Ruget

Vanessa Ruget is a Professor in the Department of Politics, Policy and International Relations at Salem State University. She holds a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Bordeaux (2000) and serves as Faculty Director of the Center for Research and Creative Activities. Her career spans roles as a

• Visiting Professor at the University of Tartu (2025)
• Lecturer at OSCE Academy in Kyrgyzstan (2007)
• Visiting Assistant Professor at Wheaton College (2006)

and other institutions.

Her research focuses on Post-Soviet citizenship, Migration Studies, and Democratic erosion, with regional expertise in Central Asia and Russia. She has authored 15+ publications analyzing labor migration dynamics, transnationalism, civic education, and the intersection of technology with political engagement.

Scientific awards include

• Fulbright Scholar Award (2025)
• Best Paper Award, Northeastern Political Science Association (2008)
• Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar (1998-99)
• Marion and Jasper Whiting Foundation Fellowships (2014, 2019)

among others.

Her recent work explores digital technology’s impact on migrants, political education in non-democratic contexts, and global citizenship frameworks. She teaches courses on comparative politics, migration, and democracy.