Teaching Philosophy
My primary teaching objective is to promote science literacy and scientific thinking implemented through a foundation based on decolonization and challenge the ways in which settler science attempts to justify the dispossession of Indigenous communities and justify social inequalities. I employ methods designed to develop students’ critical thinking skills and promote their interest in research. My aim is that they be not just passive consumers of knowledge but, instead, active users of science in addressing significant social challenges. Thus, in each class, I strive to underscore the “science” in political science. In this way, I not only help students to become more scientifically literate thinkers, but I enable them to see how the theoretical concepts we discuss in the classroom are applicable to their day-to-day lives. I believe that my students leave my classes with enhanced critical thinking skills, writing abilities, and a desire to become more engaged and compassionate citizens. Only through learning the tools of settler science can students then critique and create decolonialized research agendas for themselves.
Teaching and Mentorship Achievements
Trustees' Award For Teaching Excellence (2019-2020 Teacher of the Year) at Hawaiʻi Pacific University (University Level).
Department Faculty Mentor Award (2019) at Hawaiʻi Pacific University in History and International Studies (Department Level).
Bryon Noletti (Spring 2020) won the Outstanding Research Award Hawai'i Pacific University's Research Symposium for his paper on "Foreign Aid and Corruption" (Political Science).
Elisa Elhadj (Spring 2019) won the Outstanding Research Award Hawaiʻi Pacific Universityʻs Research Symposium for her paper on
“Terrorism and its Impact on European Politics” (Political Science).
Shelby Respicio (Spring 2019) won the Deanʻs Award for College of Liberal Arts at Hawaiʻi Pacific Universityʻs Research Symposium for her paper on “The Strife Against Colonization: An Analysis of the Repercussions of U.S. Foreign Policy on the Pacific Islands” (Political Science).
Allison Carone (Spring 2018) won the Outstanding Undergraduate Research Award at Hawaiʻi Pacific University Research Symposium for her paper, “Mind the Gap: Gender Parity in National Legislatures and Violence Against Women” (Political Science).
Department Faculty Mentor Award (2019) at Hawaiʻi Pacific University in History and International Studies (Department Level).
Bryon Noletti (Spring 2020) won the Outstanding Research Award Hawai'i Pacific University's Research Symposium for his paper on "Foreign Aid and Corruption" (Political Science).
Elisa Elhadj (Spring 2019) won the Outstanding Research Award Hawaiʻi Pacific Universityʻs Research Symposium for her paper on
“Terrorism and its Impact on European Politics” (Political Science).
Shelby Respicio (Spring 2019) won the Deanʻs Award for College of Liberal Arts at Hawaiʻi Pacific Universityʻs Research Symposium for her paper on “The Strife Against Colonization: An Analysis of the Repercussions of U.S. Foreign Policy on the Pacific Islands” (Political Science).
Allison Carone (Spring 2018) won the Outstanding Undergraduate Research Award at Hawaiʻi Pacific University Research Symposium for her paper, “Mind the Gap: Gender Parity in National Legislatures and Violence Against Women” (Political Science).
Courses Taught
American Politics Courses:
Introduction to American Politics; Elections in Hawaii; Racial and Ethnic Politics; Gender and Politics; Issues in American Politics; Political Socialization; Political Psychology; Political Parties and Interest Groups; Legislative Process; Urban Politics; Public Policymaking; State and Local Politics; and Political Theory.
Research Methods:
Political Analysis; Public Policy; Public Opinion and Survey Research; Experimental Methods; and Interdisciplinary Research.
I also teach additional courses in elections and voting and political behavior.
New Courses:
Immigrant and Immigration Policy
Indigenous Politics
Introduction to American Politics; Elections in Hawaii; Racial and Ethnic Politics; Gender and Politics; Issues in American Politics; Political Socialization; Political Psychology; Political Parties and Interest Groups; Legislative Process; Urban Politics; Public Policymaking; State and Local Politics; and Political Theory.
Research Methods:
Political Analysis; Public Policy; Public Opinion and Survey Research; Experimental Methods; and Interdisciplinary Research.
I also teach additional courses in elections and voting and political behavior.
New Courses:
Immigrant and Immigration Policy
Indigenous Politics