George Washington Univ. Political Science Newsletter. Mary Beth is featured on page 4.

1. VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2
SPRING 2011
Department of Political Science
Inves tor News l etter
Newsletter
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Note from the Department Chair - Forrest Maltzman
Greetings from Political Science
1 Three years ago, I was elected chair of
NEWS FROM THE CHAIR the GW political science department.
Forrest Maltzman discusses the When folks congratulated me on my
Department’s latest advances election, I usually responded, “I think
2 condolences are more in order.” I was
ENGAGED FACULTY stealing a line that academics have long
Finnemore honored and faculty used upon being elected as chair. But, I
weigh in on policy debates lied. Chairing a department that is known
3 for its collegiality, that is emerging as one
ENGAGED STUDENTS of the nation’s premier departments, that is
Graduate student service located within a university that is
projects and undergraduate absolutely committed to the department,
internships and that has both a faculty and set of
4 students who intellectually engage each Elizabeth Saunders, and Caitlin
ENGAGED ALUMNI other is nothing but a pleasure. When I Talmadge). Over the next few years, the
Political science alumni take many began my term in 2008, we were a department is slated to make a number of
different career paths department that had an extremely strong hires, and I anticipate the department will
5 foundation, a faculty that believed in the continue to grow and to improve.
GRADUATION collective good, and a vision of where we The GW political science is simply put
RECEPTION wanted to go. a department that has been and continues
Graduating seniors, family, and The strength of the department today to fire on all of its cylinders.
faculty gather for celebration is reflected in our top twenty-five ranking One of the many strengths of the
6 by the national research council, the department is that we have been fortunate
ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES productivity of our faculty, the popularity enough to be in a position where we
The latest accomplishments and of both our graduate and undergraduate regularly rotate leadership positions and
news on our alumni programs, the success of our students, and where many people step up to the
7 even the willingness of our alums to give plate. Beginning next month, my
THANKS TO OUR back to a program that so many of us care colleague Paul Wahlbeck will chair the
CONTRIBUTORS about. And I am convinced that the department, having been unanimously
department is stronger today than it was approved by our colleagues. I stepped
three years ago. Over the past three years, down to take on a role in the GW provost’s
we have recruited new faculty away from office. I know Paul will thrive as
the University of Chicago (Charlie Glaser), chair. Paul has long been committed to the
the University of Minnesota (Michael department’s norm of high standards,
Barnett), Stony Brook (Brandon Bartels), collegiality, and a commitment to
and Duke (Alexander Downes). Finally, disciplinary pluralism. And Paul has long
over the past three years, we have been promoted an agenda that will engage our
joined by first rate colleagues who are just undergraduate and graduate
beginning their careers (Celeste Arrington, students. Upon his election, I gave Paul
Eric Grynaviski, Jai Kwan Jung, Llewelyn my condolences. I lied.
Hughes, Stephen Kaplan, Harris Mylonas,
DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE ● GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

2. POLITICAL SCIENCE NEWSLETTER
SPRING 2011
Faculty Focus explore global governance and
Finnemore Honored international organizations. She has
Martha Finnemore was elected to the written several award-winning books:
American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Rules for the World: International Organizations
joining the ranks of some of the nation’s in Global Politics (coauthored with
most prominent scholars. Finnemore and Professor Michael Barnett) won the
GW President Steven Knapp are among International Studies Association prize
the new members who will join one of the for best book in 2006; The Purpose of
nation’s most prestigious societies for Intervention: Changing Beliefs about the Use of
achievements in science, scholarship, Force won the 2004 Woodrow Wilson
business, public affairs and the arts. Prize for the best book on government,
Department Chair Forrest Maltzman politics, or international affairs.
commented, “This is one of the highest “Being elected to the academy is a
honors that can be bestowed upon an great honor,” Finnemore remarked, “but
academic. The honor reflects the I could never have done this research Martha Finnemore at the celebratory reception
innovative and creative approach Marty without the smart, sympathetic colleagues hosted by the Department and the Elliott School
of International Affairs
has brought to the table.” I have here at GW. They keep me on my
Finnemore, the first member of the toes intellectually, and Washington
Department to achieve this distinction, is provides a never-ending stream of
“home grown.” She began her career at political puzzles to challenge us.”
GW in 1992 after completing her degree
at Stanford. Her research and teaching
An Engaged Faculty much the upheavals have been about the politics. This attention has been
Department Middle last two—they really center on core issues advanced by the “Project on Middle East
East Experts Opine on of constitutional structures and Political Science,” directed by Marc
Democracy Movement governance—and not the first. Islamist Lynch. This center is “designed to bring
This spring has seen democracy movements have been players but hardly academic expertise to bear on public
protests in the Middle East – first in the most significant ones in the discussions,” according to Brown. This
Tunisia and Egypt, and then seen in upheavals.” Movements, like the Islamic makes GW a player as a center for
Libya and Syria among other nations. Brotherhood, are coping with a more studying the Middle East. Given GW’s
Political science faculty have led the democratic environment, rather than the location in Washington, various
discussion and analysis of these more familiar authoritarian regime. governmental arms and journalists
developments. Nathan Brown and Marc These developments affect the content routinely come to our faculty for
Lynch have been interviewed for articles of Brown’s courses in comparative expertise.
appearing in a host of sources: CNN, politics. He is able to explore with What does the future hold? As recent
National Public Radio, and the students how much existing academic developments have demonstrated, the era
Washington Post. Brown appeared on approaches to understanding the Middle of change is not over. The one constant
Capitol Hill in April to testify about East help us explain what is happening may be the ability of GW faculty to assess
Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood before the and how much they are now outmoded. political developments with a grounding
House Intelligence Subcommittee on Brown said, “It made, quite obviously, for in their scholarship.
Terrorism, Human Intelligence, Analysis very engaged discussions.” In the coming
and Counterintelligence. semester, Brown anticipates rewriting
Underlying their analysis is their some of his lectures based on the events.
scholarship. For instance, Brown’s GW offers a unique vantage point to
research examines three issues that are discuss these events. There is a great deal
related closely: Islamist movements, of interest in Middle East politics on Follow the Department on
campus: students take regional languages, Facebook
constitutionalism, and
Navigate to http://www.facebook.com/
semiauthoritarianism. “What is most attend programs on Middle East issues, GWPoliticalScience for Department and
notable to me,” Brown remarked, “is how and enroll in courses on Middle East alumni news and updates
DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE ● GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
2

3. POLITICAL SCIENCE NEWSLETTER
SPRING 2011
GRADUATE STUDENTS SERVICE
PROJECT
Nine
graduate
students
and
staff
gathered
on
April
17
to
serve
lunches
to
about
100
people
at
So
Others
Might
Eat
(S.O.M.E.),
an
interfaith
community-­‐based
organizaFon
dedicated
to
helping
the
poor
and
homeless
in
DC.
The
graduate
caucus
also
collected
four
boxes
of
food
for
S.O.M.E.
“It
was
a
really
posiFve
experience,”
recounts
ChrisFna
Caan,
“and
SOME
is
an
amazing
organizaFon.
We
hope
to
work
with
them
Richie Wilcox and Lisel Hintz at
again
in
the
future!”
The
graduate
caucus
collected
pet
S.O.M.E. (above); Chris Deering
at the Washington Animal
supplies
to
donate
to
the
Washington
Animal
Rescue
Rescue League (left)
League
in
the
name
of
Lee
Sigelman.
articles about the Department’s decisions argument was fascinating. “The dialogue
on employment discrimination between the lawyers and Justices,” he
complaints. These articles were posted observed, “would keep me on the edge of
on the Department’s Online Digest to my seat.” Dorsey commented that the
make its regulations more people at the Department of Veterans
comprehensible by “painting a real-life Affairs made the internship great. “The
picture for management officials” on how people that I worked with demonstrated
to handle complaints. that internships are not just about
Gary Wong interned at The Center for assigning errands and grunt work to
Responsive Politics. In addition to students. Instead, it's comprised of a
updating the Center’s campaign symbiotic relationship in which building
contribution database, he wrote news and fostering mentorship and
Students Engaged in Washington reports for their website about the role of professionalism that prepares students for
Underg raduates money in politics. One of Wong’s reports the real world is essential.” Wong
Thrive in Internships gained a reference in a New York Times reinforced this view: the interactions with
Political Science undergraduates enrich op-ed essay. Center staff made “the work
their education through internships with Students pick up internships by hook or environment … very friendly and
government officials and public interest by crook. Jacob Stewart, who worked at conducive for professional growth.”
groups. Year in and year out, more than the Supreme Court for the Curator’s These students found that internships
80 students enroll in internships for Office, pursued his fascination with the expanded their knowledge about policy-
credit. The 2010 graduating class judiciary by googling "Supreme Court making institutions and the impact of
reported that 77 percent had worked in internship" to see what was available. He policy. “I learned much more than just
an internship during their college years. found that their website provides applicable skills for the ‘job world.’”
This year, as in years past, students information on how to apply. Dorsey Stewart commented that he “learned
served numerous organizations. These discovered the Veterans Affairs internship something new every day at the Court.”
include government agencies, like the on the Career Center’s website. The Wong, recounting his experience at the
Department of Justice and the internship in the Office of Employment Center for Responsive Politics, said, “The
Department of Veterans Affairs, policy Discrimination Complaint Adjudication internship complemented my GW
advocacy organizations, such as the was a good match given her interest in education in the sense that I gained a
Heritage Foundation and Planned the law and her goal to become a judge. better understanding of the significance
Parenthood, and members of Congress As she put it, “Because the Office is an of recent campaign financing laws, and
or campaigns. adjudicating body, I was exposed to some its impact on elections.” Dorsey said that
Interns help Washington work. They very critical skills which judges use daily the internship was more than just a
update databases, give tours, take phone when making and writing decisions.” resume builder, but offered “exposure to
calls, and write summaries and reports. Internships are valuable on a number the work that I love (legal research and
Jazmine Dorsey, who interned at the of dimensions. Stewart said of his case analysis).”
Department of Veterans Affairs, wrote Supreme Court internship, hearing oral
DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE ● GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
3

4. POLITICAL SCIENCE NEWSLETTER
SPRING 2011
Alumni Careers testimony of the claimants seeking social How did Merrin move from a focus on
Alumni Advance in security benefits. public opinion to a career as a corporate
Many Fields Dixon concludes today that his advisor? She commented that each
Political science alumni pursue many decision to attend GW in political science position “built on and drew from
different vocations. In the last half year, was the right decision. Knowing that experience in the previous positions.
our alumni have made a mark in GW’s political science department had an However, each was grounded in the
educational software development, excellent reputation, a degree from GW strong foundation I had from my Ph.D.
journalism, government affairs, business, would be advantageous to his career by studies at GW.”
and the law. The following are snapshots demonstrating of what he was capable if Her career began as a faculty member
of two alumni, their career, and the role he “could handle the coursework at Georgia State University where she
played by their GW education. requirements of GW’s Political Science taught courses on public opinion, public
Andrew Dixon (B.A. 1992) Department.” policy, and research methods. Returning
The connection of his coursework and to the DC area, Merrin worked at a
his interest formed one of the highlights survey research company that developed
of his GW years. He studied the a new survey methodology for the
inequities of funding for inner city school Defense Department, directed program
districts vis-a-vis their suburban evaluations for the federal government,
counterparts. Dixon used the knowledge and examined the Nielson ratings for
that he gained in class “to become more NBC evening news.
knowledgeable on a subject that had Merrin then went to Marriott for 10
always interested me.” years. As a Vice President she had
Like many pre-law students, Professor responsibility for all research across the
In August 2010, Andrew Dixon was Emeritus John Morgan inspired Dixon. various operating divisions including
appointed as an Administrative Law “He was a charismatic older professor marketing, customer satisfaction, human
Judge for the Social Security who made his classes on constitutional resources, operations, food and beverage,
Administration in Tallahassee, Florida. law so interesting that I forgot to take new product development and the
His path to this position began after notes!” Morgan was the one professor globalization of the Marriott Brand.
graduation when Dixon worked for the with whom Dixon made sure to have his Merrin also held a similar position for
DC Government’s Office of Personnel. picture taken on Graduation Day. Choice Hotels.
He represented the city in administrative Today, Merrin’s marketing research
unemployment compensation hearings Mary Beth Merrin (Ph.D. and communications company, Decision
against former District employees. As he 1976) Making Research - DMR, conducts
routinely beat attorneys in hearings, he analytical work for global corporate
thought he was ready for law school, leaders, non-profits, and new ventures.
moving to Miami to attend the St. Merrin comments that her GW
Thomas University School of Law. experience influenced her career path in
Dixon’s legal career began as an three ways: sharpened her analytic skills;
Assistant State Attorney in Broward provided options to work in a wide range
County (Ft. Lauderdale). Dixon later of positions; made her “recognize the
landed a job at the Department of importance of not just knowing the facts,
Health and Human Service as an but moving beyond the facts to their
Attorney Advisor for the Office of implications.”
Medicare Hearings and Appeals in The highlights of Merrin’s GW career
Miami, authoring Medicare Appeals included serving as a teaching fellow in
decisions for Administrative Law Judges. quantitative methods and analysis. She
In his current position, Dixon presides found it rewarding to “help students in
over and adjudicates social security Mary Beth Merrin uses her graduate the process of discovery.” She also spoke
claims. The position requires extensive training by advising corporate decision highly of the opportunity to work with
review of medical documents, review of makers. Her dissertation, reflecting her her major professor, Hugh LeBlanc, with
opinion drafts prepared by decision interest in public opinion and public whom she published articles while in
writers, as well as conducting hearings policy, was entitled “The Issues in Issue graduate school.
and eliciting the sometimes emotional Voting: An Analysis of the 1972
Presidential Election.”
DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE ● GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
4

5. POLITICAL SCIENCE NEWSLETTER
SPRING 2010
GRADUATION
RECEPTION
The Political Science Department
hosted a reception for our graduates in
the City View Room on May 14. We
were joined for the festivities by nearly
300 graduates and their families. The
reception gave everyone the
opportunity to celebrate the many
accomplishments of our students.
Graduation, following the GW
tradition, took place on the National
Mall.
DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE ● GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
5

6. POLITICAL SCIENCE NEWSLETTER
SPRING 2011
ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES
Katie Hogan (B.A. 2006) named deputy press secretary for the 2012 Obama
campaign.
Jason MacDonald (Ph.D. 2003) published an article, “Limitation Riders and
Congressional Influence over Bureaucratic Policy Decisions,” in the American
Political Science Review.
Alumnus David Malet (Ph.D. 2009) received a Federal STAR grant from the
EPA's Homeland Security branch to study public communications after a
bioterrorist attack.
Alumna Maria Rublee (Ph.D. 2002) named one of the new editors of
International Studies Perspectives.
Corey Shott (B.A. 2004) works in the National Wildlife Federation's National
Advocacy Center.
Julie Silverbrook (B.A. 2009) created a program, Constitutional Conversations,
for the Institute of Bill of Rights Law at William & Mary, and it was awarded
the 2011 Virginia Public Library Directors Association Award for Best
Cooperative Program in the State.
Jared Starr (B.A. 2003) developed an educational, interactive DVD adventure,
which received a Parent’s Choice Approved award.
Send News to: Political Science Newsletter, George Washington
University, 2115 G Street, NW, Monroe 440, Washington, DC 20052; or
email us at polsci@gwu.edu
The Newest Alumni the Evans prize went to Jennifer Casazza,
Underg raduates Amitis Darabnia, Thomas Giannettino,
Finish Strong Brett Grey, Stephen Hawkins, John
The Department’s graduating class is Meserve, and Peter Wilson.
an award-winning group! Two students, Pi Sigma Alpha, the political science
Tayler Lofquist and Sally Nuamah were honor society, welcomed 37 new
named Columbian College Distinguished members at their annual ceremony.
Scholars and spoke at the Columbian Our outstanding class of graduating
College graduation ceremony on May 14. seniors are going in many exciting
Fourteen students, perhaps a record directions. Several report plans to
number, won Department prizes. The continue their education with 14 students
Sacks award was given to Tayler Lofquist pursuing graduate degrees and 11
and Annie McGinnis, the Sigelman students planning to attend law school.
award went to Emily Baer Bositis and In addition to graduate degrees in
Sally Nuamah, the Morgan award was political science and public policy,
awarded to Dan Blumenthal, Danielle students will study elementary education Students at the Pi Sigma Alpha ceremony on April 17
Desaulniers, and Tabisa Walwema, and and business. Our future law students Employment also includes service to
will attend elite programs, including GW, members of Congress and teaching.
Michigan, Columbia, Washington & Lee, We wish the Class of 2011 well as they
Ohio State, Loyola, and Southern begin their new adventures.
Methodist. Future employers include the
federal government, corporations,
advocacy groups, and law firms.
DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE ● GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
6

7. POLITICAL SCIENCE NEWSLETTER
SPRING 2011
Thanks to Our Donors Daniel LeClair ‘05 DONATE TO GW
These individuals made contributions to Marian Lee ‘76
the Political Science Department or the John Mancus ‘76
AND POLITICAL
Sigelman Fund in the 2010-2011 academic Elizabeth Matto ‘00 SCIENCE TODAY
year (May 1, 2010 - May 31, 2011). We John ‘75 & Sharon Moeser Gifts to the Department of
very much appreciate your kindness and Michael Moran * Political Science allow us to
support for our various activities. Wynne Walker ‘85 & Randall Moskop further our research and
Robert Adcock ** Eric Nakano ‘04 educational goals. Each gift, no
David Algranati ‘97 John ‘75 & Karen Nelson matter how large or small, makes
a positive impact on our
Diego Areces * Leigh Noel
educational mission and furthers
Kyle Bird ‘09 Toshiya Ozaki ‘04
our standing as one of the
Emily Baer-Bositis ‘11 Robert Poogach
nation’s preeminent programs.
Elliot Bell-Krasner ‘08 Rebecca Rene ‘80 You can make your gift to the
Sarah Binder & Forrest Maltzman ** Peter & Sue Rogers Department in a number of ways:
Lindsay Brooker ‘09 James Sadowski ‘89
N. Joseph Cayer Joseph Sarreal ‘10 • Securely online at
Edward Chaszar ‘72 Arun Selvaratnam * www.gwu.edu/give2gw. Just
Ingrid Creppell ** Arnav Shah * choose “other” under
Emily Cummins ‘00 Carol and Lee Sigelman designation and type in
Bryan Daves ‘98 Julie Silverbrook ‘09 “Political Science Department”
John Donaldson ‘05 & Li Qu Nidhi Srivastava ‘11
Lynn Dorsey * Steve & Mariam Strosnider * • Mail your check, made out to
Mr. & Mrs. Leland Dribin ‘65 Frederick Thide, Jr. ‘08 The George Washington
University and with “Political
Maurice East ** Paul Wahlbeck **
Science Department” in the
Susan Flashman ’77 Lisa Williams ‘03
memo line, to the University at
James Fortin * Eric Wilmeth ‘73 2100 M Street, NW, Suite 310,
Mark Frankel ‘76 William Ziegler Washington, DC 20052
Wallace Gernt Jr. ‘83
Stephen Glascock & Barbara Van Beuren * • By calling the GW Annual Fund
Elizabeth Glusman * at 1-800-789-2611
James Goldgeier **
James Jewell ‘95 Department of Political
Alvin Kaltman ‘70 Science
George Washington University
James & Patricia Ann Kellogg Viola Political Science Graduate 2115 G Street, N.W.
Emily Kowalski ‘05 Scholarship Endowment Funded
Monroe Hall 440
James Lebovic ** Gennaro Viola made a generous bequest to Washington, DC 20052
the Department to support international
Joan & Maurice Kong * graduate students. Phone: 202.994.6290
E-mail: polsci@gwu.edu
Web: http://www.gwu.edu/~psc
* Parent/Student ** GW Political Science Faculty
DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE ● GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
7

8. Department of Political Science Non-Profit
George Washington University U.S. Postage
2115 G Street, N.W. PAID
Monroe Hall 440 Washington, D.C.
Washington, DC 20052 Permit 593