Kevin O'Brien is the Jack M. Forcey Professor of Political Science at the University of California, Berkeley. He specializes in Chinese politics, particularly focusing on contentious politics, protest dynamics, and state-society relations in rural China. His research examines mechanisms of protest control, authoritarian governance, and institutional reforms. O'Brien holds a B.A. from Grinnell College (1979) and a Ph.D. from Yale University (1987). Education: B.A., Grinnell College; Ph.D., Yale University Affiliations: Institute of East Asian Studies, UC Berkeley Research interests include rightful resistance, relational repression, and adaptation strategies under autocratic regimes. He has authored/co-authored influential books such as Rightful Resistance in Rural China and edited volumes on popular protest and grassroots elections in China. Books: Reform Without Liberalization , Popular Protest in China , Grassroots Elections in China Awards include the Sage Award for Best Paper in Comparative Politics (2004). His work integrates fieldwork insights with theoretical frameworks, addressing topics like land expropriation, migrant worker rights, and NGO operational challenges in China's evolving political landscape.
Sara Chatfield is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Denver's College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, with additional affiliations in Gender and Women's Studies. Her work bridges American political development, gender politics, and methodological innovation in political science research. Dr. Chatfield earned her Ph.D. and MA in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley (2014 and 2007 respectively), and her BA in Politics from Oberlin College (2006). Her research focuses on American political development with particular emphasis on gender and politics, public law, and political behavior. American Political Development Gender and Politics Women's Rights History Public Law Political Behavior Methodology and Causal Inference Her recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on how gender shapes political institutions and processes across historical and contemporary contexts. Early work examined 19th century married women's economic rights reform, while more recent research investigates contemporary issues like bathroom access politics and gender disparities in political campaign staffing. Her scholarship often employs innovative methodological approaches to historical questions, bridging qualitative and quantitative traditions in political science. Dr. Chatfield teaches courses on American politics and law, including Constitutional Law I, Judicial Politics, and a freshman seminar on the politics of bathrooms. Her book In Her Own Name: The Politics of Women's Rights Before Suffrage (Columbia University Press, 2023) and her Cambridge Element The Politics of Bathroom Access and Exclusion in the United States (2024) represent significant contributions to understanding how gender shapes political institutions across historical periods.
Xin Sun is a Senior Lecturer in Chinese and East Asian Business at the Lau China Institute and King's Business School, King's College London. He holds a PhD in Political Science from Northwestern University, a BA in Chemistry and Economics from Peking University, and an MA in Economics from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Prior roles include positions at the University of Oxford and Trinity College Dublin. Research Interests: Political economy of China, government-business relations, land politics, rural governance, authoritarian institutions, and research methodology. Current projects focus on land institutions, housing markets, and the interplay between formal/informal political practices. Teaching: Courses include 'Political Economy of China', 'Business and Entrepreneurship in Contemporary China', and 'Doing Business in China'. Affiliations: Member of research groups examining urban-rural development, authoritarianism/populism, and Chinese international investments. Active in King’s Global Institutes and the Lau China Institute. Grants/Advising: Supervises PhD students on Chinese political economy topics. No specific grants listed, but extensive publications indicate ongoing research funding. Labs/Teams: Collaborates with research groups on China’s urbanization, rural development, and authoritarian political dynamics.
Stephen Weymouth is Provost's Distinguished Associate Professor and Dean’s Professor at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. He holds a primary academic appointment as Associate Professor and focuses on the political economy of globalization and technological change. His research bridges international business, political science, and public policy. Weymouth earned his Ph.D. in Political Science and International Affairs from the University of California, San Diego (2010), an M.A. in Latin American Studies from the same institution (2006), and a B.S. in Economics from Arizona State University (1999). His research interests include the political environment of business, digital globalization, trade and exchange rate politics, governance of the digital economy, and the societal implications of artificial intelligence. He investigates how globalization, technological disruption, and economic change influence political behavior, voting, and policy outcomes. His work often employs quantitative methods and large-scale data to analyze firm-level and electoral dynamics. His recent publications, appearing in top journals like American Political Science Review , International Organization , and British Journal of Political Science , reveal a strong thematic focus on the intersection of economic globalization and political behavior. Trends include the impact of deindustrialization on voter backlash, the effects of inflation and pandemics on elections, and the political economy of digital trade and AI. His book Digital Globalization: Politics, Policy, and a Governance Paradox (Cambridge University Press) synthesizes these themes, emphasizing the growing tension between digital innovation and regulatory governance. Weymouth is actively engaged in policy discourse, having authored issue briefs for the Atlantic Council on digital trade policies in India and Bangladesh. He teaches core MBA courses such as Business and Policy in the Global Economy and specialized courses on AI and economic transformation. While no formal awards are listed, his named professorships reflect institutional recognition. He advises students and collaborates widely, though specific advisees are not named. His research contributes significantly to understanding how global economic forces shape political institutions and public sentiment.
Genevieve Lakier is a Professor of Law at the University of Chicago Law School and Senior Visiting Research Scholar at the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University. She holds a JD (cum laude) from New York University School of Law, an MA and PhD in Anthropology from the University of Chicago, and an AB in Anthropology from Princeton University. Previously, she served as an Assistant Professor of Law (2015–2021) and Bigelow Teaching Fellow (2013–2015) at the University of Chicago Law School. Her research focuses on the evolving interpretation of the First Amendment , particularly how social media platforms challenge traditional free speech doctrine. She analyzes the role of legislatures in safeguarding speech values, the rise of anti-classificatory theories , and the tension between laissez-faire constitutionalism and state intervention in digital speech regulation. Recent publications include critiques of platform moderation in the Journal of Free Speech Law and analyses of the First Amendment's Lochner problem . Her work often addresses the intersection of constitutional history and modern tech policy, as seen in contributions to the Harvard Law Review and Yale Law Journal Forum . Scientific Awards: Harry W. Stonecipher Award (2021) Faculty Hooder Teaching Award (2022, 2023) Class Award (2022) She has collaborated with scholars like Evelyn Douek on studies of platform governance and informal government coercion . Her clerkships include Judge Leonard Sand (Southern District of New York) and Judge Martha Daughtrey (Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals).
Nazune Menka is an Assistant Professor of Law and Faculty Director of the Northwest Center for Indigenous Law at Seattle University School of Law. Formerly the Executive Director of Berkeley Law’s Center for Indigenous Law & Justice, she has held roles including Supervising Attorney in the Environmental Law Clinic and Lecturer. Her work focuses on Indigenous self-determination, tribal sovereignty, and decolonization. Education: J.D., University of Arizona, Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy Certificate (2018) M.S., University of Arizona, Soil, Water, & Environmental Science (2013) B.A., North Carolina State University, Communications (2002) Research Interests: Professor Menka’s scholarship addresses Indigenous legal frameworks, environmental justice, and constitutional law. She advocates for tribal sovereignty through legal reforms and coalition-building. Her environmental science background informs her work on toxicology and public health risks in tribal communities. Professional Contributions: She serves as Board Treasurer for the California Indian Law Association, Water Protector Legal Collective, and SACNAS. Her advocacy spans policy work in Alaska and Hawaii legislatures, and internships at federal agencies like the EPA and CDC. Labs/Teams: Leads the Northwest Center for Indigenous Law, advancing Native Nations’ legal capacity and decolonizing legal education. Founded UC Berkeley’s Decolonizing UC Berkeley course and collaborates on tribal cultural resource policy initiatives.
Dr. Sergio Ascencio is a Lecturer in the Department of Government at the University of Essex. He holds a PhD from the University of Rochester (2018). His academic career includes roles as Assistant Professor at the University of New Mexico (2019–2021) and Postdoctoral Associate at NYU Abu Dhabi (2018–2019). His research focuses on comparative politics, electoral systems, and political behavior, with a regional emphasis on Mexico and South Asia. Key themes include primary elections, vote buying, political dynasties, and party strategies. His work employs experimental methods and institutional analysis to explore questions of governance and democratic accountability. Recent publications (2021–2024) examine nomination rules, primary adoption, and voter dynamics across multiple countries. His 2019 study on partisan poll watchers and electoral manipulation highlights expertise in electoral integrity. Earlier work (2015, 2009) addresses issue salience modeling and delegation mechanisms in Mexican state legislatures. Contact: Email at sergio.ascencio@essex.ac.uk or via Zoom during academic support hours (Tuesdays 2–4 PM).
Amy Steigerwalt is a Professor and Department Chair of Political Science at Georgia State University’s College of Arts & Sciences. She also serves as Director of the Georgia Legislative Internship Program. Her research examines federal judicial selection, institutional roles of courts, and electoral dynamics impacting legislative behavior. Research Focus : Steigerwalt’s work bridges American politics, public law, and gender studies, with a particular emphasis on how political institutions (e.g., courts, legislatures) shape policy outcomes and electoral strategies. She has published extensively on judicial confirmations, consensus-building in courts, and the intersection of gender and political vulnerability. Scientific Awards : 2013 Hughes-Gossett Award (Journal of Supreme Court History) Choice Outstanding Academic Title (2014) Media and Public Engagement : A frequent panelist on GPB’s Political Rewind , her expertise has been cited by major outlets including the Washington Post , New York Times , and Bloomberg News .
Thomas Goodman is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Politics and Law at Rhodes College. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from Boston College and teaches courses on U.S. Congress, State and Local Politics, Media and Politics, Political Advertising, and Infrastructure Policy. Ph.D. in Political Science from Boston College His research focuses on American political development , campaigns and elections , and the functioning of Congress and state legislatures . He currently advises the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature (TISL) and the Rhodes College Chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society. Email: goodmant@rhodes.edu
Dr. Jeremy Bowles is a Lecturer in Comparative Politics at the Department of Political Science, University College London (UCL). His research focuses on the political economy of development, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, examining interactions between state-building processes and distributive politics. Prior to UCL, he held a Postdoctoral Fellowship at Stanford University's King Center on Global Development and earned his Ph.D. from Harvard University. His work has been supported by institutions like J-PAL and USAID. Education: B.A. and M.Sc. from the University of Oxford Ph.D. in Government from Harvard University (2021) Postdoctoral Fellowship at Stanford University His research explores how distributive conflicts shape state-building and electoral accountability in weakly institutionalized contexts. Key themes include taxation systems in Tanzania, elite politics in post-colonial states, and the role of social media in African autocracies. He employs experimental and observational methods to study governance challenges in developing democracies. His publications appear in top journals like the American Political Science Review and American Journal of Political Science . Recent work addresses misinformation dynamics, electoral accountability, and post-pandemic policy responses in Zimbabwe. Teaching focuses on African governance and political economy models. Grants and partnerships include collaborations with the International Growth Centre (IGC) and Stanford Impact Labs.
Jon Taylor is a Professor of Political Science and Chair of the Department of Political Science and Geography at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), where he also serves as Associate Dean for Faculty Success within the College of Liberal and Fine Arts. His academic career focuses on Chinese politics and public policy, Chinese and U.S. urban politics and urbanization, and comparative public sector ethics. Taylor received his academic training at the University of Oklahoma, where he earned his B.A. in Political Science and History (1983) M.A. in Political Science (1987) Ph.D. in Political Science (1993) Dr. Taylor's research spans several interconnected areas with a strong emphasis on comparative politics. His primary research interests include Chinese politics and public policy, with particular focus on urban development in Western China, China's national urbanization plan, the Communist Party's online accountability system, and provincial-level public corruption in China. He has made significant contributions to understanding the role of indigenous Chinese political science within the global discipline. As a native Texan, he also maintains an active research agenda on Texas and San Antonio politics and government, frequently contributing opinion and analysis pieces to both Chinese and U.S. media. His scholarly work demonstrates a consistent engagement with questions of governance, political development, and the interplay between global academic trends and local political contexts. Taylor's publication record reveals a consistent trajectory of scholarly engagement with Chinese political development, particularly focusing on urbanization, governance, and the evolution of political science as a discipline within China. His work often bridges theoretical frameworks with practical policy analysis, demonstrating expertise in both Chinese political systems and American politics, particularly at the state and local levels. A notable pattern in his scholarship is the examination of how Chinese political institutions adapt and evolve while maintaining distinctive characteristics. While specific major awards are not listed in the available information, Dr. Taylor has been an active participant in academic discourse through numerous presentations at prestigious venues including the Asia Society Texas, the Naoko Shirane Foundation Leadership Lecture Series, and the UTSA Model UN. His presentations often address timely topics in U.S.-China relations and contemporary political developments. As Department Chair and Associate Dean for Faculty Success, Dr. Taylor plays a significant leadership role in mentoring junior faculty and shaping the academic direction of his department. His teaching portfolio includes courses on Texas Politics and Society, Foreign Policy Analysis, Democracy and World Politics, Current Issues in World Politics, Seminar in Chinese Foreign Policy, and Urban Planning and Development, reflecting the breadth of his expertise across American politics, comparative politics, and international relations.
Mala Htun is a Professor of Political Science at the University of New Mexico, specializing in comparative politics, women’s rights, and social inequalities. She holds a Ph.D. from Harvard University and an A.B. from Stanford University. Her research focuses on gender justice, policy analysis, and strategies to promote inclusive environments in STEM. Education: PhD in Political Science (Harvard University, 2000), A.B. in International Relations (Stanford University, 1994). Research Interests: Gender equality policies and their implementation Comparative analysis of women’s rights legislation Impact of feminist activism on policy change STEM inclusion and institutional accountability Awards and Recognition: Best Book Award (Human Rights Section, ISA, 2019) Andrew Carnegie Fellow (2015) Recognized by New Mexico legislature for scholarly contributions (2016) Leadership Roles: Vice President of the American Political Science Association (APSA) Chair of APSA’s Committee on the Status of Women in the Profession Co-chair of APSA’s Presidential Task Force on Women’s Advancement Key Contributions: Authored three influential books, including The Logics of Gender Justice (2018) and Inclusion Without Representation in Latin America (2016). Her work bridges theory and practice, analyzing how states respond to gender justice demands globally.
Dr. Sarah Bütikofer is a political scientist affiliated with the University of Zurich , where she serves as a Research Associate and Editor at the Policy Analysis & Evaluation Research Department . She is also a project partner at Sotomo and collaborates with the PEGO Research Group (University of Bern/Eawag) on environmental governance and policy analysis projects. Her academic work focuses on Swiss political systems, legislative professionalization, gender representation, and direct democracy. Her research spans parliamentary studies, including voting behavior in the Zurich Cantonal Council and Swiss Federalism, and the professionalization of cantonal legislatures. She has contributed to environmental policy analysis through collaborations on plastic governance in Bhutan and climate action frameworks. Recent publications address gender equality in Swiss politics, Green Party dynamics, and institutional responses to climate disasters. 2024: Gender and parenting in Swiss Parliament 2023: Green Party impact in Swiss federalism 2022: Women's electoral surge in Switzerland 2020: Institutional peculiarities of Swiss Council of States 2015: Strategic voting and political professionalization Bütikofer actively participates in public debates as an editor for DeFacto and through media engagements with Swiss outlets like SRF and 20 Minuten. She contributes to policy discussions on climate governance, plastic regulation, and Swiss political reform.
Sean Ehrlich is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Florida State University's Department of Political Science, part of the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan (2004) and a B.A. from the University of Chicago (1998). His research focuses on political economy, globalization, democratic institutions, and trade policy, particularly in the context of the European Union. His notable works include Access Points: An Institutional Theory of Policy Bias and Policy Complexity (2011), which won the APSA Gladys M. Kammerer Award, and The Politics of Fair Trade (2018). His research examines how institutional structures influence trade policy, interest group lobbying, and public perceptions of trade agreements. He has published in journals like International Organization , European Union Politics , and Business and Politics . Ehrlich's service roles include editorial positions at International Interactions and Global Studies Quarterly , and leadership in academic committees such as the APSA's International Collaboration Section. He has advised over a dozen doctoral students, many now in academic or policy roles. His recent work explores populism's impact on trade policies and human rights advocacy in democracies. His awards include the Gladys M. Kammerer Award for groundbreaking contributions to U.S. national policy analysis. His research spans empirical studies on EU trade policy, comparative political economy, and experimental analyses of public opinion on trade compensation.
Beth Reingold is a Professor of Political Science and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Emory University, where she also serves as Director of Graduate Admissions and Placement. She holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley, and a B.A. in Political Science and History from Rice University. Her research focuses on the intersections of gender, race/ethnicity, and political representation, particularly within U.S. state legislatures. Key areas include legislative behavior, intersectionality, and policy-making processes related to anti-abortion, welfare, and immigration politics. Reingold’s work has been widely recognized, including the 2023 Mac Jewell Enduring Contribution Book Award for her first monograph Representing Women , and the 2021 Richard Fenno, Jr. Prize for her co-authored book Race, Gender, and Political Representation . She collaborates with scholars like Irene Browne on NSF-funded projects examining Black elites and immigration politics. Her current research explores legislative power dynamics and how marginalized groups attain institutional influence. Her scholarly contributions span over three decades, with publications in top journals like Political Research Quarterly and American Journal of Political Science . She has advised numerous projects and serves as a leading voice in intersectional political theory and legislative studies.
