Find Academic Supervisors

Joerg KnipprathView profile

Professor

• Constitutional Law
• Judicial Review
• Business Law
• +3 more

Joerg Knipprath is a distinguished constitutional law professor at Southwestern Law School since 1987, holding the Paul E. Treusch Professor of Law title. He earned his B.A. (magna cum laude) in Government from Pomona College (1973) and J.D. from Stanford University (1978). A scholar of constitutional evolution and judicial review, his research explores the interplay between legal precedent and contemporary governance. He has authored opinion pieces on Supreme Court decisions, presidential succession, and securities law, appearing in outlets like the Los Angeles Daily Journal . Knipprath’s teaching awards include Southwestern’s Excellence in Teaching Award (2005, 2009, 2019), reflecting his dedication to constitutional law pedagogy. His career spans legal practice at Latham & Watkins and adjunct roles at California State University, Northridge, before transitioning to full-time academia. His work bridges historical legal scholarship with modern controversies, emphasizing enduring constitutional tensions. His publications address topics such as judicial appointment dynamics, executive authority, and church-state relations, showcasing his expertise in constitutional frameworks. Beyond academia, his commentary on high-profile legal issues underscores his role as a public intellectual in legal discourse.

Errin HainesView profile

Visiting Professor

• Journalism
• Race Relations
• Gender Studies
• +3 more

Errin Haines is an award-winning journalist and founding editor of The 19th, a nonprofit newsroom focusing on gender, politics, and policy. She holds a visiting professorship at Princeton University (2019-20 Ferris Professor) and has taught at Georgetown University. Her work emphasizes race, gender, and political dynamics, with a focus on underrepresented voices. A graduate of Oglethorpe University, Haines has contributed to major outlets like The Associated Press, MSNBC, and The Washington Post. She received the 2006 NABJ Emerging Journalist Award and the 2017 Philadelphia ABJ Print Journalist Award. Research interests include Black women’s leadership, media diversity, and the intersection of gender and democracy. Her podcast The Amendment explores these themes, while her book project examines Black women’s political power. Notable articles address Juneteenth’s contemporary relevance, backlash against social movements, and resistance to exclusionary policies. Haines advises no formal students but mentors through journalism fellowships. She co-hosts the GU Politics Podcast and serves on Philadelphia’s Lenfest Institute board. Her work bridges journalism and academia, advocating for inclusive narratives in media and politics.

Earl BrooksView profile

Assistant Professor

• Rhetoric and Black Music
• African American Studies
• Sound Studies
• +3 more

Earl Brooks is an Assistant Professor of English and musician at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), affiliated with the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. He is also the associate director of UMBC’s Dresher Center for the Humanities. His research focuses on the rhetorical power of Black music and its role in shaping public discourse, history, and social movements. Brooks teaches courses in sound studies, African American rhetorical traditions, media literacy, and composition. Education: B.A. in Music Performance and American Studies from the University of Kansas (KU), M.A. in African American Literature from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Composition from Penn State University. Research Interests: Brooks explores how Black music serves as a strategic tool for communication, liberation, and cultural expression, connecting figures like Harriet Tubman and Kendrick Lamar. His 2024 book On Rhetoric and Black Music highlights the 'sonic lexicon of Black music' and its impact on movements like the Harlem Renaissance and Civil Rights Movement. He emphasizes music’s role as a refuge during crises, such as the pandemic and protests against police brutality. Awards and Grants: Recipient of the 2018 Summer Research Faculty Fellowship, 2022 Early Career Excellence Award, and 2023 Residential Faculty Research Fellow. His work Black Sonority: Rhetoric and Black Music was supported by the Mellon Foundation-funded Dresher Center’s Inclusion Imperative. Advising and Mentorship: A faculty mentor for the McNair Scholars Program, inspired by his mentor Dr. Maryemma Graham. He co-created the 'Sounds Like Social Justice' course, collaborating with the Meadow Community Fellowship Church to produce the 'Underwater/Underserved' podcast documenting community experiences during floods.

Brendan LanctotView profile

Professor

• Latin American Literary Studies
• Cultural History
• 19th-Century Latin America
• +3 more

Brendan Lanctot is a Professor and Chair in the Hispanic Studies department at the University of Puget Sound . He teaches courses ranging from intermediate Spanish to advanced seminars on Latin American literary and cultural studies. His research focuses on the cultural production of 19th-century Latin America, particularly Argentina, analyzing how political concepts were shaped through portraiture, graffiti, photography, and literature. Recent projects include studies on early photography's use and reception, and a current book project on the cultural origins of Latin American populism in the 19th century. He also explores how film, literature, and public spectacles reconfigure foundational myths in contemporary contexts. Education: B.A., Haverford College, 2000 M.A., Columbia University, 2002 M.Phil., Columbia University, 2005 Ph.D., Columbia University, 2008 Research Interests: Lanctot’s work bridges cultural history and political theory, emphasizing visual culture’s role in state formation. He examines how media and art forms (e.g., daguerreotypes, public spectacles) encode power dynamics and national identity. His book Beyond Civilization and Barbarism demonstrates how post-revolutionary Argentine rivals co-created modern political frameworks through cultural artifacts. Publications: Recent works analyze photography’s role in Peruvian state power, conservative discourse in 19th-century Peru, and the interplay between film and national allegory in contemporary Latin American cinema. His 2024 study on civic festivals explores how public rituals shaped republican ideologies. Contact: Located in Wyatt 237, reachable at 253.879.2690 or blanctot@pugetsound.edu .

Brandon BolteView profile

Assistant Professor

• Global conflict
• Civil war
• Pro-government militias
• +3 more

Brandon Bolte is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS), affiliated with the School of Politics and International Affairs. Previously, he served as a Peace Scholar Fellow at the United States Institute of Peace and a Postdoctoral Teaching Fellow at Penn State University, where he earned his PhD in 2022. His research focuses on global conflict dynamics, civil wars, pro-government militias, and quantitative methodology. He teaches courses on international relations, quantitative methods, and applied statistics. Dr. Bolte’s research has been published in prestigious journals such as the Journal of Conflict Resolution , International Studies Quarterly , and MDPI Mathematics . His work explores topics like the survival of militias post-conflict, right-wing populism’s impact on international disputes, and Bayesian statistical modeling for social science analysis. He has also contributed to methodological advancements through software development, including the R package BayesSPsurv . No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in the provided materials. His advising and grants sections remain unspecified. He is actively involved in research on conflict studies and quantitative methods, with a focus on militarized actors and political violence.

Guyora BinderView profile

Professor

• Criminal Law
• Jurisprudence
• Law and Literature
• +3 more

Professor Guyora Binder is a SUNY Distinguished Professor and University at Buffalo Distinguished Professor at the School of Law. He holds the Hodgson Russ Faculty Scholar title and has served as Vice Dean for Research and Faculty Development. His research focuses on Criminal Law, Jurisprudence, and Law and Literature, with notable contributions to felony murder doctrine, legal theory, and racial disparities in criminal punishment. He has held visiting professorships at prestigious institutions including Stanford Law School (as Leah Kaplan Visiting Professor of Human Rights) and Cornell Law School. His academic journey includes clerkship under federal Judge Jack B. Weinstein and roles as Dana Fellow of Comparative Jurisprudence at UCLA. His scholarship spans constitutional history, international law, and critical legal theory, with publications in top journals like the Yale Law Journal and Stanford Law Review. Recent work examines police accountability, racial disparities in sentencing, and moral philosophy in criminal justice. Prof. Binder has authored influential books such as *Felony Murder* (2012) and *The Oxford Introductions to U.S. Law: Criminal Law* (2016). His awards reflect his scholarly impact, including SUNY’s highest academic honor. Current research trends emphasize systemic critiques of policing and legal frameworks addressing social justice. Prof. Binder’s contributions extend beyond writing to academic leadership: he chairs the President’s Review Board and advises on institutional research strategy. His work bridges theoretical legal analysis with practical policy advocacy, shaping contemporary debates on criminal justice reform.

• Rhetoric
• Public Speaking
• Genocide Studies
• +3 more

Dr. Ben Voth is a Professor of Rhetoric and Director of Debate at Southern Methodist University (SMU). His work focuses on rhetoric’s role in genocide prevention, civil rights advocacy, and public communication. He has authored award-winning books, including James Farmer Jr.: The Great Debater , and consults with organizations like the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and the Rwandan Government. His research emphasizes debate as a tool for societal healing and critical thinking. Dr. Voth’s pedagogical methods have influenced global education initiatives, particularly in post-conflict regions like Rwanda. Affiliations: Director of Debate & Professor of Rhetoric at SMU Key Clients: U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, Bush Institute, Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation Research interests include the rhetoric of genocide, nonviolent resistance, and the intersection of debate with social justice. His Rwanda Rising project promotes debate as a pathway to reconciliation. Notable publications span presidential rhetoric, political communication ethics, and the role of humor in politics. He regularly leads workshops on communication techniques and has advised hundreds of individuals and organizations.

• 19th Century U.S. History
• American Civil War and Reconstruction
• U.S. Women’s History
• +6 more

Brooke Orr is a faculty member in the Department of History at Westfield State University , where she has taught since 2003. Her academic focus spans various aspects of U.S. history, emphasizing social and political movements. Ph.D. in History from George Washington University (2002) B.A. in History from Bates College (1994) Research Interests include 19th Century U.S. History, American Civil War and Reconstruction, U.S. Women’s History, U.S. Race Relations and Civil Rights Activism, U.S. Social and Political Movements, U.S. Sports History, American Revolution, Antebellum American Cultural History, and U.S. Immigration Policy. Her work often intersects gender, race, and political economy in the Gilded Age and Progressive Era. Selected Publications highlight her expertise in populist movements, political discourse, and cultural history. Her article on Mary Elizabeth Lease (2007) earned the Edgar Langsdorf Award for Excellence in Writing . Edgar Langsdorf Award for Excellence in Writing (2007) She teaches courses such as HIST131: U.S. History to 1865, HIST263: U.S. Women’s History, HIST357: U.S. Civil War & Reconstruction, and specialized topics like U.S. Disability History and Sports in American History. Her pedagogical approach incorporates visual learning strategies, as detailed in her 2009 book chapter.

Linda HorwitzView profile

Associate Professor

• Rhetorical Criticism
• Rhetorical Theory
• Feminist Argumentation
• +3 more

Linda Horwitz is an Associate Professor of Communication and Chair of Museum Studies at Lake Forest College (2009–present). She holds a PhD in Communication Studies (Northwestern University, 1998) and a Graduate Certificate in Women’s Studies. Her research focuses on rhetorical criticism, feminist argumentation, and pop culture analysis, with notable works exploring gender representation in media, historical figures like Angela Y. Davis, and the rhetoric of political widows. She has taught courses ranging from foundational communication theories to specialized topics like the Rhetorical Presidency and gender studies. Her work emphasizes intersections of gender, power, and public discourse. Invited lectures and debates include discussions on election rhetoric, queer representation, and feminist pedagogy. Her academic career includes prior roles as Assistant Professor at Lake Forest (2003–2009), Visiting Assistant Professor at Hamilton College (1998–2000), and instructorships at Loyola University and Bates College. She has presented over 50 conference papers globally, focusing on rhetorical analysis of media, historical figures, and cultural symbols. Her teaching extends to debate leadership, with roles as Director of Debate at Hamilton College and contributions to Lake Forest’s debate society. Linda’s research spans rhetorical theory’s foundational concepts (e.g., enthymeme analysis) to modern applications in pop culture and politics. Her pedagogical innovations include integrating debate as a teaching tool and exploring digital humanities in communication studies. She has no listed awards but maintains active involvement in professional organizations like the National Communication Association (NCA) and the Rhetoric Society of America (RSA).

Karsonya Wise WhiteheadView profile

Professor

• Race Relations
• Social Justice
• African American History
• +5 more

Karsonya Wise Whitehead is a Professor of Communication and African and African American Studies at Loyola University Maryland, serving as the founding Executive Director of the Karson Institute for Race, Peace & Social Justice. She is a prominent scholar, activist, and host of the award-winning radio show Today with Dr. Kaye on WEAA 88.9 FM. Her work bridges academia, media, and social justice, focusing on race, gender, and systemic inequities. Dr. Whitehead has authored four books, including Notes from a Colored Girl (2014), which won multiple awards, and Letters to My Black Sons (2015). Her research interests include African American history, media representation, and educational equity. She has received numerous accolades, such as the Vernon Jarrett Medal, Regional Edward R. Murrow Award, and inclusion on the Essence Woke 100 List. Dr. Whitehead is also a former documentary filmmaker, producing works like Twin Towers: A History , and has held leadership roles in organizations like the National Women’s Studies Association. Her advocacy extends to K-12 education, curriculum development, and racial justice. Dr. Whitehead’s op-eds and public talks address contemporary issues like police brutality, reparations, and Black motherhood. She has given over 500 keynotes worldwide and is a sought-after voice on issues of race, gender, and social change.

Shawn J. Parry-GilesView profile

Professor

• Political Communication
• Rhetoric
• Gender Studies
• +3 more

Shawn J. Parry-Giles is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Communication at the University of Maryland’s College of Arts and Humanities. She also directs the Rosenker Center for Political Communication & Civic Leadership, focusing on public oratory and civic engagement. Her research examines rhetoric’s role in power dynamics, gender, and political identity, with a focus on historical and contemporary U.S. politics. Parry-Giles holds a Ph.D. from Indiana University and has authored/co-authored eight books and numerous articles. Her key research areas include presidential rhetoric, gender and politics, media influence, and feminist theory. She co-leads projects like the Voices of Democracy and Recovering Democracy Archives, digitizing speeches and teaching resources to promote civic education. Current projects explore the Exoduster movement and 19th-century abolitionist/women’s rights rhetoric. Parry-Giles has earned notable awards, including the Marie Hochmuth Nichols Award (2015) and Choice Outstanding Academic Title (2002). She teaches courses on political communication, democratic deliberation, and academic writing. Through the Rosenker Center, she mentors students in organizing public dialogues and collaborates with non-profits to advance civic engagement.

Thomas KestlerView profile

Professor

• Comparative Politics
• Political Theory
• International Relations
• +4 more

Prof. Dr. Thomas Kestler holds the Chair of Comparative Politics and German Government at the Institute of Political Science and Sociology, University of Würzburg. His academic career focuses on comparative politics, political theory, and Latin American studies. He is affiliated with the Faculty of Human Sciences and leads research in areas such as political institutions, populism, and democracy. Research interests include the dynamics of political ideas, institutional development, and social movements. He has directed studies on right-wing populism in Latin America, the institutionalization of political parties, and democratic erosion in countries like Venezuela and Brazil. His work combines quantitative and qualitative methods, emphasizing the motivational power of ideas in governance and collective action. Teaching responsibilities include seminars on comparative politics, Latin American governance, and political theory. He supervises final theses through the 'Seminar for the Preparation of Final Theses' and maintains active participation in research groups such as the Center for Electoral and Public Opinion Research. Consultation hours are regularly scheduled for students and researchers. Key contributions span over 20 years, with notable works analyzing Bolsonaro's government in Brazil, Venezuela's democratic decline, and the theoretical foundations of new political parties in South America. His interdisciplinary approach bridges political science with sociological and historical methodologies.

Meaghan BrewerView profile

Associate Professor

• Rhetoric
• Composition
• Literacy Studies
• +7 more

Meaghan Brewer is an Associate Professor in the Department of English at Pace University’s Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, New York City. She serves as Director of the Writing Enhanced Course Program, contributing to institutional writing initiatives. Her academic work bridges rhetoric, composition, and literacy studies, with a focus on pedagogy and historical discourse. PhD in English – Rhetoric and Composition, Temple University (2013) MA in English – Rhetoric and Composition, Temple University (2009) BA in Psychology, Wake Forest University (2002) Her research centers on literacy theory, graduate instructor education, nineteenth-century American rhetorics, and disciplinarity . She investigates how ideological, political, and linguistic frameworks shape writing instruction and teacher development. Her work often explores race, neutrality, and identity in pedagogical contexts. Recent publications (2017–2023) demonstrate a strong trajectory in composition pedagogy, teacher cognition, and historical-cultural rhetoric . Her scholarship appears in top journals like College Composition and Communication and Peitho , and she authored the 2020 book Conceptions of Literacy . Themes include graduate instructor training, race and protest, and the rhetoric of science in 19th-century women’s magazines. She is an active member of major academic organizations: Council for Writing Program Administrators Rhetoric Society of America Conference on College Composition and Communication While no specific scientific awards are listed, her sustained publication record and leadership role indicate significant professional contributions. As Director and faculty member, she likely mentors graduate instructors and contributes to curriculum and writing program development. Meaghan Brewer teaches courses such as Writing in the Disciplines, Language and Identity, and Introduction to Rhetorical History and Theory. Her teaching and research are deeply integrated, emphasizing critical literacy and rhetorical awareness across academic contexts.

• 19th Century Hungarian Political History
• Central European Intellectual History
• Historiography
• +7 more

András Gergely is a Professor at the Faculty of Arts, Károli Gáspár University of the Reformed Church in Hungary, where he holds a position in the Chair for Modern and Contemporary Hungarian History. He has previously served as a Professor at Eötvös-Loránd University and Andrássy Gyula German-speaking University, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to historical scholarship in Hungary. MA in History and Philosophy, Eötvös-Loránd University, 1969 DSc in History, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 1996 His research centers on 19th-century Hungarian and Central European political and ideological history, with a strong emphasis on the 1848 revolutions, liberalism, constitutional development, and historiography. He explores the interplay between political ideas and historical reality, particularly in the context of nation-building and state formation. His methodological rigor and deep archival engagement have established him as a leading figure in Hungarian historiography. The analysis of his 15 most recent scholarly works reveals a consistent focus on constitutional history, revolutionary movements, and the evolution of political institutions in 19th-century Hungary and Central Europe. His publications frequently appear in major European academic handbooks and edited volumes, reflecting his integration into international scholarly discourse. Themes such as liberalism, national identity, administrative structures, and the transfer of constitutional models are recurrent across his writings. Scientific Awards: Ránki-György Prize, Soros Foundation, 1991 Gold Merit Cross Order, Republic of Hungary, 1991 Gergely has played a significant role in academic mentoring and institutional development. He has supervised multiple doctoral students, including Tibor Csík, Tamás Dobszay, and Ferenc Velkey, and has served as an opponent in approximately 15 doctoral defenses. He has contributed to national research policy as a member of the OTKA board and has been involved in curriculum development, including the preparation of doctoral programs and accreditation processes across Hungarian universities. He has been affiliated with several research groups, including the PhD School of Károli Gáspár University, and has engaged in international academic collaboration through visiting professorships and research fellowships in Germany, notably at the University of Hamburg and the Humboldt University, supported by the Humboldt Foundation and the Institute for European History in Mainz.

Urszula Niewiadomska-FlisView profile

Professor

• American Literature
• Southern Studies
• Food Studies
• +4 more

Dr. hab. Urszula Niewiadomska-Flis, Professor at the Department of American Literature and Culture within the Institute of Literary Studies at the Faculty of Humanities, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin (KUL), is a distinguished scholar specializing in American literature with particular focus on Southern studies, food studies, and race and ethnicity studies. Her extensive academic career spans over two decades, with significant contributions to understanding the intersections of food, race, gender, and power in American literature and culture. Professor Niewiadomska-Flis's research interests include: American Southern Literature and Culture Food Studies in Literary Contexts Race, Ethnicity, and Identity Politics Gender Studies and Feminist Literary Criticism Chicana and African American Literature Culinary Rhetoric and Cultural Representation Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on examining how food functions as a cultural marker, political tool, and site of resistance in American literature, particularly within Southern contexts. She has explored how culinary practices reflect racial boundaries, gender dynamics, and power structures throughout American history, from plantation slavery to the Civil Rights Movement and contemporary culture. Her work often employs interdisciplinary approaches, combining literary analysis with insights from cultural studies, anthropology, and critical race theory. Professor Niewiadomska-Flis has received several notable awards including the Bronze Medal for Long-Term Service, the American Studies Network Book Prize (2018), and the Individual Award of the First Degree for her habilitation thesis and original scholarly achievements. She has also been instrumental in organizing the annual "eTEXTS" Literary and Cultural Studies Conference series and the International Language and Art Competition "MY TOWN." As an academic mentor, she has supervised numerous Master's theses, evidenced by the Polish Association for American Studies Annual Award she helped establish for the best American Studies Master's thesis written at a Polish university. Her editorial work includes serving as editor-in-chief for "Ex-Centric Souths: (Re)Imagining Southern Centers and Peripheries" (2019), showcasing her commitment to advancing Southern studies scholarship. Professor Niewiadomska-Flis has established significant international collaborations, hosting scholars from around the world and participating in numerous international conferences. Her research has been supported by various grants including those from the Salzburg Seminar American Studies Association, the Clifford and Mary Corbridge Trust of Robinson College at the University of Cambridge, and the John F. Kennedy-Institute for North American Studies.