Department of History and Political Science at PLNU

HPS being HPS even while abroad...we learn, we laugh, we grieve, we think, we study, we sit in the discomfort, and we grow together. Here's a snapshot of our Czech Republic story so far!

Class of 2026: thank you from your classmates and faculty. You are ready for your next steps forward. When you look back, you’ll see us cheering you on!

Congratulations to our 2026 Pi Sigma Alpha Seniors and inductees! Our chapter of the national Political Science honor society celebrates your hard work and dedication to our discipline.

✨HPS Senior Spotlight✨ Frida Espinosa Salas (Political Science Major/Criminal Justice Minor)

Favorite HPS Memory:
My favorite HPS memory is going on the Prague trip with Dr. Lupo in 2023. I really enjoyed the experience of learning in the classroom and then visiting the actual sites. I also loved Dr. Nantkes’s Politics of Immigration class, where we reimagined our immigration system for the final project. I remember worrying that my ideas were “unrealistic,” but Dr. Nantkes encouraged me to move forward with them anyway. This class taught me that creativity and optimism are essential for challenging systems of power, and I will be taking this with me wherever I go! :)

What I am looking forward to in the future:
I’m looking forward to combining my interests and getting involved with local organizations that align with the changes I want to see. I’m also excited to finally read the many books I haven’t had time to read. Additionally, I look forward to traveling to visit my friends from other countries. Overall, I am excited about the possibilities the future holds and being comfortable with the uncertainty of what comes next.

✨HPS Senior Spotlight✨ Colin Sekerka (Political Science/Economics)

Favorite HPS Memory:
Presenting on CA AB1239 (2025), “Human Trafficking Data Collection” in Dr. Nantkes’ Issues in Public Policy course.

What I am looking forward to in the future:
Attending law school and closing the legal loopholes human traffickers exploit.

Anything else?
“Evil triumphs when good people do nothing.” - Edmond Burke

✨HPS Senior Spotlight✨ Laurel Davidson (History)

Favorite HPS Memory:
Working with Dr. McCoy and my committee researching Women’s Voluntary Organizations in Progressive Era San Diego, and having the opportunity to present at the Honors Scholars Conference.

What I am looking forward to in the future:
Continuing my research in local history, starting my internship with the Coronado Historical Association this summer, and sharing my love of history with “the real world.”

Anything else?
Being part of the HPS department has been so rewarding. I am so grateful for everything I have learned, and for all the encouragement and support from HPS faculty and classmates!

✨HPS Senior Spotlight✨ Mallory Hopper (Political Science)

Favorite HPS Memory: My favorite HPS memory is definitely traveling to New York with our incredible Creating Change and Claiming Power class in the fall of 2025. We learned about so many powerful and revolutionary movements and individuals in the classroom, so it was amazing to visit the physical locations of some critical moments in history.

What I am looking forward to in the future:
In the fall, I am thrilled to be pursuing my second bachelor’s degree (English) and playing my final year of collegiate golf at Westmont College! Additionally, I look forward to visiting my post-grad friends in all of the fun places that life is taking them.

Anything else?
As a transfer, though I was only part of the HPS Department for 2 years, I truly feel blessed to have met and worked alongside so many incredible people. I will forever be grateful for my experiences within the PLNU and HPS communities!

✨HPS Senior Spotlight✨Noah Ashe (Political Science)

Favorite HPS Memory:
Traveling to NYC (and probably Prague soon!) and getting to know the Professors outside of the classroom!

What I am looking forward to in the future:
Adventure, service, and opportunities to be a changemaker in many different circles!

✨HPS Senior Spotlight✨ Daniel Do (Political Science)

Favorite HPS Memory:
Studying abroad in Japan

What I am looking forward to in the future:
Seeing what the future holds for me!

✨HPS Senior Spotlight✨Daniel Do (Political Science)

Favorite HPS Memory:
Studying abroad in Japan

What I am looking forward to in the future:
Seeing what the future holds for me!