Leila Assadi, a UI undergraduate student double majoring in economics and political science with minors in international business and political risk analysis is the recipient of the 2025 Global Student Award, exemplifies what it means to be a globally minded Hawkeye.

PhD candidate Chase LaSpisa was selected for the Center for Social Science Innovation (CSSI) 2025-2026 Dissertation Completion Program (DCP).

Brenda Ramirez became interested in working in politics during a high school internship with her state representative.

Elizabeth Menninga, associate professor in the Department of Political Science and researcher affiliate in the Center for Social Science Innovation (CSSI), recalls the stranger remarking on her unusual combination of textbooks: one for calculus and one for political philosophy.

Leila Assadi, a second-year student majoring in economics and political science, was one of the founding members of the University of Iowa Ethics Bowl team, which bested 20 competing teams in the Midwest.

PhD candidate Nathan Micatka recently published a solo article in Policy Studies Journal titled, “Learning to avoid: The long-term effects of adolescent welfare participation on voting habits in adulthood.”

Andrew Kelleher, political science and international relations senior, has been named a 2025 Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Graduate Fellowship recipient.

Caleb Smith, Iowa political science alum and graduate of the School of Planning and Public Affairs program is applying his passion for public service at the City of Chicago’s Office of Inspector General.

Mitchell and Pizzi published a study that analyses how the Peruvian government’s response to natural disasters influenced political violence in the country.