Political Science Honors Program Celebrates Record Graduating Class

At the School of Public and International Affairs commencement ceremony on May 2, 2025, nine students graduated with the distinction of completing the Political Science Honors Program. This is the largest honors program cohort to date, highlighting SPIA’s commitment to fostering enrichment through undergraduate research. 

This year, the honors projects spanned a range of political science subfields, from judicial politics and gender representation to electoral history, international environmental policy, and public opinion research. Each project reflects the student’s unique interests while demonstrating the diverse research expertise available within the political science department. 

Heather Lee (‘25), received the 2025 Erika Fairchild Outstanding Paper Award for her research on public understanding and misconceptions about abortion. She said the project gave her the chance to develop crucial skills for dealing with life after graduation. 

“My independent research project had a profound impact on my educational experience. This process strengthened other essential skills that I will carry well beyond graduation, such as time management, critical thinking, and data analysis.”

Many honors students begin their research journey as Research Assistants (RAs) for political science faculty, developing critical skills before advancing to independent projects. Both the honors program and RA opportunities have significantly grown through faculty guidance, support from the Provost Office, SPIA SURE (Summer Undergraduate Research Experience) grants and donor contributions. 

Student interest in the honors program is at an all-time high, reflecting both the value of undergraduate research experience and the program’s thoughtful eligibility standards, which maintain academic rigor while accommodating diverse student needs.

Connor Stitt, who graduated with his Bachelor of Science degree in May, said the honors program allowed him to access his full academic potential.

“When I transferred into political science, I felt a much deeper connection to my work, as I could leverage my quantitative training to tackle real-world questions that I was actually interested in.”

“I liked working with Dr. Mitkov because he is heavily focused on the quantitative side of research, which was my main interest even before the honors program,” Stitt added. “It is also beneficial to have someone who is checking in with you week by week to ensure you are making progress.”

Stitt has presented his research at several conferences and is starting a dual title Ph.D. program in political science and social data analytics at Penn State University in the fall.

Students in the program not only gain valuable analytical and writing skills, but they also build strong relationships with faculty and peers who share their academic interests. These connections can continue beyond graduation, supporting students as they pursue graduate school, law school, or careers in public service, policy, and beyond. For many, the honors experience serves as a starting point for their professional journey.

Maddie Watts (‘25), focused her project on the Ukrainian conflict’s effect on environmental policy in the European Union and the United States, guided by Dr. Michael Struett. She said the program gave her valuable critical thinking skills and gave her the opportunity to explore her particular interests. 

“I was able to explore the intersection of environmental and international law – topics that I am incredibly passionate about. Not only did I learn how to be a better writer, student, and political scientist, but the program also provided me with professional writing experience that I will use in law school.”

The special recognition these students receive — including honors designation on their transcripts and diplomas, recognition at commencement, and honors program graduation cords — signifies their exceptional academic achievement and dedication to scholarly excellence.

The nine graduates completed a rigorous set of requirements, including maintaining a 3.5 GPA or higher, completing PS 371 (Research Methodology of Political Science), and two specialized research courses with faculty mentors — PS 490H (Readings and Research in Political Science) and PS 492H (Honors Readings and Thesis in Political Science). These experiences culminated in comprehensive research projects that showcase the analytical skills and intellectual curiosity of our students.

This year’s record-setting group of graduates reflects the continued success and momentum of the honors program. The department remains committed to expanding opportunities for students to engage in high-impact learning experiences that challenge them intellectually and prepare them for leadership in a complex and changing world.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025 Political Science Honors Program Graduates!

• Julianne Biggs (Mentor: Dr. Steven Greene): “Social Media and Elections” 
• Ava Butler (Mentor: Dr. Steven Greene): “The Tongue is Mightier than the Sword: How Language and Rhetoric Impact Opinions on Black Lives Matter”
• Madeline Evans (Mentor: Dr. Elizabeth Lane): “Women in the Courts: Female Justice-Advocate Interactions in Supreme Court Oral Arguments”
• Kayla Grogan (Mentor: Dr. Amanda Edwards): “Gender and Judicial Confirmations: A Study of Senate Hearings for U.S. Courts of Appeals, 2018–2024”
• Rose Kelley (Mentor: Dr. Richard Mahoney): “We Won’t Continue: How LBJ Gave Nixon the Presidency”
• Nathaniel Kolk-Tomberlin (Mentor: Dr. Steven Greene): “Bridging the Gap for Those Furthest from Opportunity in Education”
• Heather Lee (Mentor: Dr. Steven Greene): “Public Understanding and Misconceptions About Abortion”
• Connor Stitt (Mentor: Dr. Zlatin Mitkov): “Individual Determinants for the Excusal of Islamic Violence”
• Madeline Watts (Mentor: Dr. Michael Struett): “The Effects of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict on Environmental Policy Backsliding in the European Union and the United States”

For students interested in joining the Political Science Honors Program, please contact Dr. Steven Greene, Director of Undergraduate Programs, at shgreene@ncsu.edu to schedule an initial advising appointment.