Meet the Faculty: Dmitri Mitin

Dmitri Mitin is a teaching professor and an academic advisor in the Department of Political Science. He currently teaches research methodology, international relations and comparative politics. Dmitri received his Ph.D. from Purdue University and his research interests include topics such as Soviet political evolution and institutional development. Dmitri is excited to return to campus and teach as well as advise in person.

What brought you to NC State?

I first came to NC State as a postdoc in 2005 and then returned in 2010 after a few years of teaching political science in France and Russia. In addition to being a faculty advisor, I teach a variety of classes in international relations, comparative politics and research methodology. 

What is the best part and the most challenging aspect of being an academic advisor?

I’ve been an advisor since 2013. The best part of this job is being right there in the front row to witness our students’ academic progress, professional growth and perseverance in the face of miscellaneous tests that life throws at them. Preempting—or at least mitigating—some of these complications through proactive advising is a more challenging component of my work.

What is one thing students would be surprised to know about you?

I have lots of stories about life on the other side of the Iron Curtain during the Cold War. I am always ready to share them during office hours. 

If you could time travel, what advice would you give to your college-aged self?

I’d probably heed the cautionary tale of “Back to the Future” and stay as far away from myself as possible. Why spoil the fun of figuring out one’s own path through trial and error! The alternate trajectories to the present would not necessarily be more rewarding and meaningful. But if I absolutely had to impart some piece of wisdom to myself, I’d recommend being more deliberate about pursuing professional experiences early on.

What are you most looking forward to this year?

I am super excited about returning back to campus and resuming teaching and advising in person. We have a couple of neat student-oriented projects in development, such as introducing an online political science journal for our undergrads. I look forward to implementing these plans.

What do you like to do when not at work?

Books, travel, cooking and family time (in no particular order). And chasing squirrels with our recently adopted beagle.