EIU Department of Political Science

Undergraduate Research & Leadership in Political Science

All students in the EIU Political Science major gain hands-on research experience through their research methods class and their capstone class. As a result, our students are well trained in written and verbal communications and analysis.

We encourage our majors to apply for awards and research conference opportunities related to their research, and are proud of their achievements!

In 2022, senior Constance Young received 2nd place in the Booth Library Research Award Competition, for her research on state policies on anti-hair discrimination.

Our majors were well-represented at the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Awards ceremony. In 2022, senior Jerimiah Boyd-Johnson was recognized as the College Commencement Speaker, sophomore Christine Eldrenkamp won 2nd place in the Social Science Writing Award for her research on Congress and stare decisis, Senior Constance Young won a Scholars in Undergraduate Research at EIU award for her anti-hair discrimination policy, and junior Kayla Crowder was recognized for her role as a college Student Dean.

In 2023, junior Paige Thing won 3rd place in the Social Science Writing Award for her research on the U.S. Supreme Court.

Sophomore Cydney Adams presented her research on gender politics at the EIU Student Research & Creative Activity Conference in March 2022.

Junior Dante Coppotelli, senior Arriona Bruce, and junior Amayah Farley represented EIU at the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute's Renewing Illinois Summit--seen here with former Congressman Ray Lahood.

Senior Thomas Wallace was honored as a Distinguished Senior by the EIU Alumni Association, recognizing his outstanding academic achievement and leadership as captain of the EIU Men's Tennis team.