Political Science Peer Mentors

First-year political science and international relations majors can talk with peer mentors about topics related to academic or student life.

The Peer Mentors work with the department chair and professional advisors. During the semester, each mentor can be reached by email and holds drop-in hours in room 328 Schaeffer Hall and on Zoom.

JADEN BARTLETT
Drop-in Hours: M 1:00–3:00pm
jaden-bartlett@uiowa.edu | Zoom ID 706 770 6875

Jaden is a third-year student from Iowa Falls, Iowa. He is studying Political Science and English & Creative Writing with plans to attend law school after graduation. Outside of serving as a peer mentor, he serves as the Internal Affairs chair for the Undergraduate Student Government, the Associate Director for Hawk the Vote, and as an RA for the Political Matters community in Catlett Residence Hall. He is also an active member of the university Honors and Presidential Scholar programs. If not working on academics or student organizations, you can probably find him reading, writing, or traveling somewhere new.

MADDIE CASON
Drop-in Hours: MW 2:00–3:00pm
maddie-cason@uiowa.edu | Zoom ID: 736 051 2527

Maddie is a third-year student from West Des Moines, Iowa. She studies Political Science and Economics on the pre-law track with an interest in international relations. Outside the classroom, Maddie remains involved in faculty research, the Honors Writing Fellow Program, and the Phi Alpha Delta Pre-law Fraternity. Previously, she also studied politics of the European Union in Europe as well as interned on Capitol Hill. In her free time, Maddie loves staying active, traveling, and trying new things. She looks forward to meeting and connecting with other Political Science students.

YUNSEO KI (she/her/hers)
Drop-in Hours: TTh 2:00–3:00pm
michelle-ki@uiowa.edu | Zoom ID 2065705532

Yunseo is a senior double majoring in Political Science and Ethics & Public Policy; minoring in French; and obtaining certificates in Social Science Analytics and International Business. She works as Basic Needs Manager of the University of Iowa, directing the Food Pantry at Iowa, the Clothing Closet at Iowa, and other basic needs operations on campus. Yunseo’s research interests include domestic politics and judicial advocacy. She is a research assistant for Prof. Dietrich’s NSF AI lab on the evolution of political advertising, Professor Lai’s Diplomacy Lab, and Professor Boehmke’s Iowa Policy and Opinion Lab (IPOL). Her other commitments include acting as a TA for Honors Primetime and first-year seminars, President of the Korean Conversation Group, and Peer Mentor for the Political Science Department. Yunseo hopes to pursue a career in law.

MARCO OCEGUERA
Drop-in Hours: TBA
marco-oceguera@uiowa.edu | Zoom ID 3982769128

Marco Oceguera is a third-year student from Woodridge, studying International Relations & Economics, with plans to pursue Law School. He is involved across campus, participating in International Relations research with faculty, serving as the Finance Committee Chair for the Undergraduate Student Government, and as a Supplemental Instructor Leader with the Office of Academic Support & Retention. In his free time, Marco loves adventurous activities such as traveling, hiking, and skydiving. He’s looking forward to meeting and connecting with students within the Department of Political Science.

MAIA RIVERA DIAZ
Drop-in Hours: TTh 3:30–4:30pm
maia-riveradiaz@uiowa.edu | Zoom ID: 825 489 7293

Maia is a junior from San Juan, Puerto Rico, pursuing a degree in International Relations, as well as a minor in French. She is part of the Honors Program, in which she intends to complete Honors in the International Relations major. Maia has been heavily involved on campus and has been doing things to enhance her studies in International Relations. Maia took the Diplomacy Lab class where she conducted research in partnership with the Department of State pertaining religious violence in India, she is part of Professor Lai’s research team on Intrastate conflicts, she was an Undergraduate Teacher Assistant in the Spring of 2023 for Introduction to American Foreign Policy Honors Section and is studying French as her third language. Moreover, she is also the Vice President of Phi Eta Sigma Honors society, a Lead Volunteer at the Food Pantry at Iowa, and served in two Presidential Charter Committees at the University: Family Issues and Safety and Security during her sophomore year. She has also interned abroad in Mexico City at the United States Embassy for two summers in a row.

RYAN WESTHOFF
Drop-in Hours: W Noon – 2:00pm
ryan-westhoff@uiowa.edu | Zoom ID 767 111 3599

Ryan Westhoff is a fourth-year student from Cedar Falls majoring in Political Science and Ethics & Public Policy with a concentration in Philosophy. He plans on attending law school after graduation and is involved with the Center for Human Rights and the Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity. Previously, Ryan has worked in leadership with Undergraduate Student Government and University Democrats as well as interning with the Iowa Attorney General’s Office. He is excited to meet students and help them pursue their goals on campus and beyond.