Mellissa Meisels

Mellissa Meisels is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at Yale University, with affiliations at the Institution for Social and Policy Studies and the Center for the Study of American Politics. Her research focuses on strategic dynamics in U.S. congressional campaigns, donor behavior, and policy responsiveness.

• Ph.D., Political Science (2024), Vanderbilt University
• M.A., Political Science (2022), Vanderbilt University
• B.A., Political Science (2018, magna cum laude), University of California, Los Angeles

Her work employs innovative methodologies including natural language processing, causal inference, and experimental designs to analyze campaign platforms, PAC contributions, and donor decision-making. She has published on abortion policy shifts post-Dobbs, extremist candidate fundraising dynamics, and donor trade-offs in congressional elections.

Recent publications reveal trends in partisan campaign messaging, with a focus on issue divergence and strategic positioning. Key findings include asymmetric donor responses to extremism, differential PAC fundraising advantages for incumbents, and state-level policy triggers influencing electoral communication.

Scientific Awards:

• 2023 Political Organizations and Parties Best APSA Paper Award

She teaches courses such as PLSC 2255: Special Interest Politics in the US and contributes to methodological discussions through her GitHub activity related to academic website templates.