Saint Michael's College

Title: Professor of Political Science

Education: B.A. University of Virginia; M.A., Ph.D. University of Wisconsin-Madison

Areas of Expertise/Research Interests: International relations/international political economy; global governance and globalization; transnational relations and social movements; Canadian and North American politics

Testimonial: Saint Michael's students are genuinely friendly, good-natured and intellectually curious. I have found that with a little encouragement, they can surprise even themselves with the quality of their academic work and their passion for civic engagement.

What do you like most about teaching/working at Saint Michael's College? The wide degree of flexibility granted faculty to teach in areas of interest. The opportunity to have small class sizes and interact extensively with students. The ability to collaborate with colleagues across disciplines and experiment with teaching and research in an interdisciplinary fashion. The strong sense of collegiality that permeates the campus.

What inspires students the most in your classes and/or your academic area? In the political science department we have intellectually engaging, provocative and yet friendly faculty. I think students are frequently challenged to rethink many of their preconceived notions about political life in the United States and around the world in the 21st century.

What is your favorite class to teach, and why? Introduction to International Relations is my favorite course to teach. We are living in a period of historic disjuncture in world affairs, and many of the key concepts of the field are in flux. There is never a single dull day in the classroom when one combines relentlessly changing and unpredictable current events with flexible theories for understanding the world.

What kinds of unique opportunities are available to students in your classes or department? Students at Saint Michael's are extremely fortunate to have the luxury of small classes, opportunities for independent study, and increasing research opportunities to collaborate with professors. The Study Abroad Program here is also excellent, and many of our political science majors take advantage of this option to complement their majors and minors here on campus. There are also a growing number of international service learning and other types of short trips to be exploited, including my annual field trip with students from my Canadian politics course and students and faculty from the University of Vermont to Ottawa, Canada.

Favorite quote: "I like America, just about everybody does. I love America, I gotta say that. But America will be judged." - Bob Dylan

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