Joanna Everitt

Dr. Joanna Everitt is a Professor of Political Science at the University of New Brunswick’s Department of History and Politics (Saint John campus). She has held leadership roles such as Dean of Arts (2008–2018), Department Chair (2006–2008), and Director of the UNB Urban and Community Studies Institute (2018–2021). A former president of the Canadian Political Science Association, her research focuses on Canadian politics, gender/identity politics, and political behavior, particularly analyzing how gender and identity influence political engagement and representation.

Her educational background includes a PhD and MA from the University of Toronto and a BA from Carleton University. Notable awards include the SWAAC Angela Hildyard Recognition Award (2018) for leadership and the Allan P. Stuart Teaching Award (2007). She leads a SSHRC Insight Grant (2022–2027) examining voter engagement with marginalized candidates. Her work spans 60+ articles and co-authored/co-edited books like the Palgrave Handbook of Gender, Sexuality and Politics in Canada (2020) and Gendered Mediation: Identity and Image Making in Canadian Politics (2019).

Recent research highlights include LGBTQ2+ representation in elections, racialized candidates in federal elections, and media coverage of female politicians. She has conducted major election studies, including the 2020 New Brunswick Election Study and the Canadian Election Studies (2004–2008). Her work bridges academia and public policy, emphasizing equity and democratic participation.