Ryan C. Black

Ryan C. Black is a Professor of Political Science at Michigan State University and a faculty affiliate with the MSU College of Law. His research focuses on U.S. Supreme Court decision-making, with over 60 scholarly publications and five books. He has been funded by the National Science Foundation and covered by national media. His current research explores Supreme Court conference dynamics.

Black joined MSU in 2009 after earning his Ph.D. from Washington University in St. Louis and a B.A. from the University of Minnesota. His teaching awards include the President’s Distinguished Teaching Award (2019) and multiple accolades for excellence in undergraduate and graduate mentorship. He has a passion for integrative social science and innovative pedagogy, including a planned course inspired by the TV show The West Wing.

His research interests span judicial behavior, legal policy, and institutional dynamics. Notable themes include cognitive aging among judges, the impact of lifetime tenure, and public attitudes toward judicial reform. His work bridges empirical legal studies with political science, emphasizing quantitative methodologies.

Black’s grants include NSF-funded projects on Supreme Court decision-making and legal quality measurement. He has advised on judicial appointment strategies and frequently comments on high-court dynamics in media. Personal interests include squash, travel, and LEGO-building.