Political Currents: May 2023

It has been a year of transitions in the Department of Political Science.

We are fortunate to have two new colleagues in Miller Hall—Dr. Jaimee Swift and Dr. Sombo Muzata. (See “Meet Our Faculty”) Their important research, engaging new courses, and dedication to their students have already contributed immeasurably to our department.

As we in Miller Hall have navigated what has felt to many like the first “mostly normal” year since the COVID-19 pandemic began, faculty have worked to integrate innovative approaches to classes, meetings, and events that go beyond a “return to normal” to a move toward greater accessibility. We are committed to fostering a sense of community among our students, faculty, and staff, both in the classroom and out in the world.

This past November, faculty, staff, students, and alumni gathered at the JMU Washington Center to celebrate the Washington Semester’s 25^th anniversary. The celebration gave all in attendance the opportunity to reflect on the doors the Washington Semester program has opened for JMU students and to acknowledge, in particular, Dr. David Jones for his leadership. At the event, participants raised $10,635 for the Washington Semester Scholarship Fund. Impressively, 83 donors contributed to this effort!

Our alumni continue to “pay it forward,” sharing their expertise and resources with our current students. In February, alumni from the Political Science department made their annual trek to campus to help our students craft effective résumés and hone their networking skills on Political Science Alumni Day. The College of Arts and Letters Career Conference offered an additional opportunity for students to meet with alumni to learn about the transition from campus life to the years ahead. It is always a pleasure watching our current students engage in meaningful interactions with our alumni.

Our students are engaged in interesting and timely research. The new APRILab has had a successful first year. (See “Learn about the new APRILab: Politics. Improved.”) Under Dr. Tim LaPira’s leadership, the APRILab offers undergraduate students a unique opportunity to engage in innovative research with external collaborators. Undergraduate research is also going strong through independent projects like the Honors thesis and Senior Portfolio Project (SPP). During the Political Science Department Honors and Awards ceremony in April, four thesis students presented their research and one SPP student presented her poster before the department formally announced our annual awards and scholarships. This celebration of our students and their hard work is always a bright spot in the busy period at the end of the academic year.

This is my first “Letter from the Department Head,” which marks yet another transition in Miller Hall. I wish to thank all of my colleagues for their support through the spring semester as I learned to do the job while on the job. In their willingness to answer many questions, Drs. Chris Blake, Jessica Adolino, and Jon Keller have made this transition a smooth one.

The 2022-2023 academic year has been a year of transitions, but the Department of Political Science is thriving and will continue to flourish well into the future, thanks to the students, faculty, staff, and alumni who invest so much in our shared work and vision. As we congratulate the Class of 2023 and send you all on your way to whatever comes next, we remind you—and all our alumni—that you can always come home again. We in Miller Hall are eager to hear your updates and see you on your visits to Harrisonburg.

By Sebastian Bienskowski, Isabella Klein, Ethan Rothstein, Brianna Scherb, and Alida Schreuders

All of the members of the Dukes for Defense team attended an interest meeting with Dr. Scherpereel and Dr. Kaussler and left as a group of five students, ranging from sophomore to senior, ready to enter into the WMGIC x NATO Countering Disinformation Challenge on Friday, October 21, 2022. Only a week or so later, hundreds of undergraduate students across the NATO Alliance states came together for a seven-hour case study challenge to create an innovative solution for combating disinformation. All participants met in a conference room to begin the challenge on a Friday morning. Throughout the day, our work consisted of extensive research on our topic, the development of a creative solution, brief meetings with mentors from different fields, and rapidly putting together a presentation and abstract of our solution. After preparing our solution, we presented our material to a panel of judges in the Climate Security Delta Stream along with over 60 other teams in the conference. Panels of expert judges evaluated the proposals and selected one winning team from each stream, which received $500. During our lunch break, we received an email notifying us that we won and were the 1st place team in the Delta Stream on Climate Security! As a part of the closing ceremony, the group presented our solution again to all conference attendees and an audience. Each member of our team would agree that this conference was a lot of fun and also very challenging. We bonded as a team during the one-day challenge and are excited to see where each of us continue in our careers.   

For more information about the WMGIC x NATO Countering Disinformation Challenge, see here. 

Political Currents: How did the opportunity to work on a research project with Dr. Scherpereel present itself?  

Alida Schreuders: In my first semester at James Madison University, I declared political science as my major with little knowledge as to what the study of political science entailed or what research in the field looked like. I enrolled in Dr. Scherpereel’s Comparative Politics course, POSC 240, my first semester and found myself captivated by class materials and discussions. As a freshman, I was at first quite intimidated by the idea of raising my hand or attending office hours. However, as I began to gain a better understanding of the material I became further engaged in the class, attending office hours and talking with Dr. Scherpereel about topics I found intriguing. At the beginning of my second semester at JMU, Dr. Scherpereel reached out to me and offered a research position under his mentorship as a part of the First Year Research Experience (FYRE) program at JMU - to which I eagerly responded, yes! 

PC: What are some of the challenges you have experienced in the research process, and how have you overcome them?  

AS: One of the biggest challenges I have faced in this research process has been the self-perception of not being knowledgeable enough or having the adequate experience necessary to contribute to the project. Coming into the project, I had little experience in inputting data, drafting research papers, and navigating computer programs such as Excel. I also knew little about my research topic, the European Union Commission. Overcoming these obstacles simply meant being willing to ask questions, communicate confusion, and devote the time necessary to learn and develop research skills. I found that Dr. Scherpereel not only appreciated and openly accepted my questions, but was eager to help me when I needed further explanation or clarification. 

PC: What have been the most valuable aspects of your research experience so far?  

AS: The entire research experience has been a tremendous asset to my development as a political science student and as an individual. One of the most valuable aspects has been being able to work under Dr. Scherpereel and learn about his passion for research and political science. Having a mentor in the early part of my educational career has been a key influential factor in my overall interest in the subject and success in other courses. Another valuable aspect of this experience was having the opportunity to present my research to other students and professors from around the United States. Being able to participate in an academic conference was a life-changing experience. Just one of the many highlights of the trip was the ability to interact with students who have their own research questions, and to hear their presentations and experiences in the political science field. Meeting professors with different areas of expertise and listen to them speak about their careers was an eye-opening opportunity. 

PC: What is your favorite class you have taken at JMU, and why?  

AS: My favorite class at JMU is the one I am currently in, Politics of the European Union (POSC 344). One reason I have enjoyed this class is because it is a huge area of interest for me and aligns with my research project on the European Commission. Another reason I have enjoyed this class is because of the discussion-based content. The class is structured as a conversation, rather than just a presentation, which allows students to hear each other’s opinions as well as our professor’s. Participation is a key part of this course, and because of the relatively small class size the learning environment is more engaging and effective. 

PC: What advice would you give to a prospective student who is interested in conducting research with a faculty member?  

AS: My first piece of advice is to be an active participant in your courses. Simple actions like asking questions, talking to your professor before or after class, or attending office hours are ways to show your involvement and interest. Being respectful to the professor is another important piece of advice I would give. This requires being present for most, if not all, classes and being attentive and engaged during class. Lastly, I would say being assertive and speaking with your professor about different areas of interest is incredibly important. Demonstrating that you are not only interested in the course, but also areas surrounding their field of study is valuable and can lead to future opportunities. 

Department Celebrates Graduating Seniors

On Tuesday, April 18th, 2023, the Political Science department held its annual Honors Symposium, which highlighted the work of five graduating seniors in the Political Science, International Affairs, and Public Policy and Administration majors. The event was well attended by faculty, fellow Honors students, and friends and family of the graduating Honors students invited to present their work.

Four students gave presentations based on their three-semester-long theses. Claire Geith presented her work on the Paris Climate Accord. Claire was particularly interested in factors that help explain variations over time to the US commitment to the Accord. Olivia Lansing discussed her research into China’s “Belt and Road” initiative in the Rakhine State (Myanmar). Ivy Mitchell spoke on the rise of “factional patriotism” and its implications for the future of American unity. Jamie Panko discussed her research into various causes for, and policy initiatives aimed at reducing poverty in rural Appalachia. Finally, in a poster presentation, Gabriella Kaminiski discussed her senior portfolio project, in which she synthesized academic coursework and written reflections on experiences that have defined her journey to discover her identity as a Latina in higher education and in the field of International Affairs.

After the presentations, attendees listened as Dr. Kerry Crawford, head of the Political Science department, announced and handed out awards for academic excellence and also announced new inductees into various honors societies.  The awards ceremony was completed and attendees enjoyed food, drink, and conversation. 

Reception Honors Four Outstanding Shenandoah Valley Public Servants

The Master of Public Administration program’s 2023 Public Service Reception was held in the JMU Hall of Presidents on Thursday, April 27. This annual reception celebrates the essential work performed by government and nonprofit workers in the Shenandoah Valley that keep our communities and residents safe, healthy, resilient, educated, prosperous, and with bright futures.

Since 2009, the MPA program has recognized over 40 public servants, alumni, and students from across the Shenandoah Valley for their excellence in public service as part of the national Public Service Recognition Week, sponsored by the Partnership For Public Service. Honorees are nominated and selected by their peers and colleagues, and the reception is a true celebration of the wonderful work performed by these gems of our communities.

This year, four Valley residents were recognized for their exemplary public service work in regional government and nonprofit organizations. The 2023 Honorees are as follows:

• Joyce Krech, Director (Retired), Shenandoah Valley Small Business Development Director, Career Achievement in Public Service Award
• Joyce Nussbaum, Director of Programs, Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS), Excellence in Public Service Award
• Alexander Wilmer, (BA ’01, MPA ’02), Assistant Town Manager, Town of Bridgewater, The John B. Noftsinger Alumni Award for Public Service Excellence
• Angelina Clapp, (BA ’20, MPA ‘23), Madison Center for Civic Engagement, Public Service Student Leadership Award

Previous professional experience: 
Prior to joining the Administration, I was selected as a member of the Education Agency Review Team for the Biden-Harris Transition and was a member of the DNCC Platform Committee that crafted the values-based guidelines for the party. I also held senior leadership roles with the National Education Association, the Service Employees International Union, and Advance CTE, and was an attorney in an education law firm in Washington DC. I am a member of the Executive Committee of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, a member of the Citizens Advisory Committee for the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, and member of the alumni board of the JMU Political Science Department. Previously, I served as a member of the Learning First Alliance and Vice Chair of the Advisory Board for the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum. 

In what ways did the JMU Political Science Department prepare you for your career? 
The department opened my eyes to new possibilities for my career path that I did not envision when I entered JMU as a chemistry major. I found the 'right fit' for me when I switched my major to Public Administration and focused on how government institutions support and affect our communities, and which levers of impact are available to improve lives and strengthen the country. The intricacies of understanding government structures, coupled with my Economics minor, have been invaluable assets throughout my career in the legal, nonprofit, and public sectors. 

Highlights of your JMU experience 
In addition to lasting friendships with wonderful people from all walks of life, highlights of my time at JMU include my membership in the Contemporary Gospel Singers, football and basketball games, working in the bookstore, and my internship with the Social Security Administration. 

Advice to students who are studying Political Science, International Affairs, or Public Administration at JMU 
Never forget that one person and one voice can make a huge difference by improving the lives of those in the community, state, country, and across the world. Keep imagining, creating, and learning so that your dreams become reality! 

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