Molly O'Rourke

Molly O'Rourke serves as Executive in Residence at American University with joint appointments in the School of Communication and School of Public Affairs. She directs the Master of Arts program in Political Communication and advises the Sine Institute of Policy & Politics, leveraging over twenty years of public opinion research experience from roles at Hart Research, U.S. Senate, and EMILY's List.

Her educational credentials include:

• BA in Political Science from Brown University (magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa)
• MA in Political Science from University of Michigan (Kellogg Foundation Fellow)

O'Rourke specializes in political communication and survey methodology, having designed multiphase research for presidential campaigns, advocacy groups, and media outlets including NBC News. Her work examines political behavior trends through both qualitative and quantitative frameworks, frequently intersecting with media analysis.

Professional recognition includes:

• Phi Beta Kappa membership
• Kellogg Foundation Fellowship

She currently chairs American University's Institutional Review Board while serving on the Brown Alumni Association Board of Governors and a D.C. theater company board. O'Rourke co-authored the 'Behind the Numbers' column for The Hill analyzing public opinion trends and teaches courses including COMM-628 Proseminar in Political Communication and COMM-420 Topics in Mass Media: Battleground Virginia.