Alex B
- Research Program Mentor
PhD candidate at University of Virginia
Expertise
Politics, Political Theory, Modern Political Philosophy,
Bio
I am a PhD candidate at the University of Virginia, and my research focuses on disingenuous and deceptive rhetoric in American politics. I'm interested in the way such rhetoric operates not only to disseminate false information, but also to construct and encode a particular kind of political identity. My research is broadly motivated by an interest in the lived experience of others, and how we bridge our differences to reach a shared understanding (or don't). I find that curiosity and enthusiasm are infectious, and am excited to learn about your passions and help channel them into a research project.Project ideas
Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.
Create a politics podcast with an academic bent
Scholarship in American politics brims with insights that may or may not be applicable to today's political landscape. Coverage of today's politics, while timely and up to date, lacks the methodological rigor of academic scholarship. Can you create a podcast that bridges that gap?
Teaching experience
I'm a graduate teaching assistant at University of Virginia, and I lead discussion sections in political theory and media studies. My work involves helping students hone research projects and paper ideas, and creating spaces for dialogue where students can drill to the heart of difficult concepts and arguments about the nature of politics and justice.Credentials
Education
Macalester College
BA Bachelor of Arts (2006)
EnglishUniversity of Chicago
MA Master of Arts (2014)
Political ScienceUniversity of Virginia
PhD Doctor of Philosophy candidate
Politics