معرفی
Heather Katz serves as Associate Professor of Political Science in the College of Social Sciences at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU), where she joined the faculty in 2018 after nearly a decade teaching at Queens College. Her expertise bridges international relations and political theory with practical applications for democratic engagement and critical analysis of power structures in everyday life.
Dr. Katz's educational foundation includes:
- Ph.D. in Political Science from CUNY Graduate Center (Dissertation: "Internet Access and Freedom: Constructing and Reacting to Transnational Norms about Internet Diffusion and Use")
- M.A. in Political Science from William Paterson University of New Jersey
- B.A. in Political Science from William Paterson University of New Jersey
Her research program critically examines digital governance through three interconnected lenses: the impact of social media on geopolitical conflicts (particularly the Russo-Ukraine War), pedagogical innovations for news literacy education, and equity implications of virtual learning within persistent digital divides. Dr. Katz frames these investigations within broader questions of human rights and transnational norm construction, emphasizing how internet access shapes democratic participation.
As an engaged academic citizen, Dr. Katz sponsors two major student organizations:
- Political Science Student Organization: Conducts non-partisan voter registration drives, hosts Election Night Watch Parties, organizes professional development workshops, and commemorates historical events like the 20th anniversary of 9/11
- Phi Sigma Alpha (Alpha Mu Gamma chapter): National Political Science Honors Society facilitating student research presentations at national conferences and scholarship competitions
Her teaching portfolio spans foundational courses including American Government, International Relations, and Political Theory alongside specialized offerings like "The Internet and Politics," "The Road to Equality," and Model UN simulations. Dr. Katz actively mentors students for Oklahoma Research Day and professional conferences while maintaining professional affiliations with the American Political Science Association, International Studies Association, and Midwest Political Science Association.
