Virginia Tech Department of Political Science

Dr. Lilly Frost, assistant professor of political science, was invited to present her research on "intentional ambiguity" at the Conference on Façade Politics at Yale University in May 2026.📚

The conference was hosted by Yale’s Council of East Asian Studies (CEAS) and took place all day on May 8 and half day on May 9, 2026.

Dr. Caitlin Jewitt, associate professor of political science, recently published an article entitled, "Participating in a Presidential Nomination Process during a Pandemic", in the Journal of Elections, Public Opinion, and Parties. 📝

Dr. Jewitt and her co-author Dr. Shufeldt argue the 2020 Democratic nomination was set to be a highly competitive race. However, within the first month, former Vice-President Biden became the clear front-runner. As uncertainty diminished about who would be the nominee, the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Conventional wisdom suggests turnout would plummet, however, the authors show that turnout was remarkably high and remained so throughout the 2020 Democratic nomination. Jewitt and Shufeldt argue this was in large part due to the easing of voting procedures.📚

The link for this article is in our bio! 🔗

Congratulations, Dr. Jewitt!👏

🎓It is hard to believe graduation was almost a month ago!🎓

Join us again in congratulating all of our 2026 PSCI/IS graduates!🎉

We can't wait to see all the great things you will do!🧡

🎉 Senior Spotlight! 🎉

Emma Roshioru is a graduating Senior majoring in Political Science and Public Relations! 📚🎓

Emma credits the Department of Political Science for her research skills. She describes these skills as instrumental in preparation for her both in and out of academia. Emma will pursue a master's in communication next year. Emma looks back on her experience in political science as an exciting challenge that expanded her worldview and inspired her to learn more! 🧡

Emma is also a recipient of this year's prestigious Truman Scholarship!🎉

⭐️Swipe to learn more about Emma's incredible journey and bright future! Also, be sure to check out our newsletter interview with Emma on our website!⭐️

🎆Join us in congratulating Emma on all of her achievements, and wishing her the best of luck in her future endeavors! 🎆

Leela Ohri is a graduating senior with dual degrees in Biochemistry and National Security & Foreign Affairs with a minor in Spanish. She is this year's recipient of the IS Program Outstanding Senior Award!🏆

The IS Program Outstanding Senior Award is awarded to a member of the graduating class in an International Studies major (IS, IPPL, IREL, NSFA, EDGE). 📚

Leela will attend the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) to pursue a PhD in Pharmacology & Toxicology, with the eventual goal of working in aerosol pathogen detection! 🎆

Join us in congratulating Leela on this major accomplishment! 👏👏

Well done, Leela! 🧡🎉

Ardenne Sklavos graduated last December with a dual degree in International Relations and French and a minor in Arabic.🎓

Ardenne is this year's recipient of the IS Program Outstanding Research Paper Award. 🏆

The IS Program Outstanding Research Paper Award is awarded to a member of the graduating class in an International Studies major (IS, IPPL, IREL, EDGE, NSFA).📚

After graduation, Ardenne began working for Red5 Security.

Join us in congratulating Ardenne on this major accomplishment!👏👏

Well done, Ardenne!🧡🎉

Last Tuesday, May 19, faculty and students from the Department of Political Science hosted a 60th Anniversary Reception at the Virginia Tech Richmond Center. 🏛️🎉

With fellow Hokies from government, industry, and the public sector in attendance — including keynote speaker Traci DeShazor (Class of 2008), Secretary of Administration for the Commonwealth of Virginia — Dr. Laura Zanotti, Chair of Political Science, discussed the Department’s multiple achievements by students and faculty alike as we gear up for our 60th Anniversary Celebration on August 20, 2026 at the Inn at Virginia Tech. 👏

Save the Date and Go Hokies!!🧡🦃

Caroline Doffermyre, a graduating senior majoring in Political Science, is this year's recipient of the Harris Award! 🏆

The Harris Award is in memory of another of the founding members of the Department. It recognizes "distinguished scholarly achievement" and an "outstanding ability to conceive and execute original research in the discipline."📚

Caroline was on the Virginia Tech women's lacrosse team and maintained a 4.0 GPA!📝

After graduation Caroline plans to attend law school. 🏛️

Join us in congratulating Caroline on this major accomplishment!👏👏

Well done, Caroline!🧡🎉

Jocelyn Holinka, a graduating senior majoring in Political Science, with a minor in Science, Technology, and Law, is this year's recipient of the Bernd Award! 🏆

The Bernd Award is in memory of the first chair of the Political Science Department, and it recognizes "excellence in undergraduate research and writing." It is awarded annually to a member of the graduating class in Political Science.📚

While at Virginia Tech, Jocelyn was a member of the Honors College and graduated Summa Cum Laude after completing her degree in three years. 🎓

She also participated in the Competitive Mock Trial Team, where she served as Captain, worked as a teaching assistant, and conducted undergraduate research focused on judicial reform, constitutional interpretation, and democratic governance. Her research was presented at the Virginia Social Science Association Conference in 2025.👏

After graduation, Jocelyn will attend the University of Richmond School of Law, where she plans to continue her education and pursue a legal career. 🎆

Join us in congratulating Jocelyn on this major accomplishment! 👏👏

Well done, Jocelyn! 🧡🎉