Political Science Faculty

Richard Jankowski, Chair Ph.D; University of Chicago (1984) Professor American Parties and Elections; Game Theory; East Asian Politics 716-673-3886 | richard.jankowski@fredonia.edu I have published articles in political science, sociology, and economics journals. I am presently working on several research topics. First, I explore how governments manipulate the exchange rates of their currencies for domestic and international advantages. Second, I am analyzing how taxes and inflation affect wages and profits in society, so that better public policies can be designed. This work appears in my book, Wages, Profits, and the State. Third, I am studying the impact of political business cycles on the outcome of elections. In addition, I enjoy music, dancing, movies, racquetball, and traveling. I am a connoisseur of the local (Buffalo) bars which present jazz and blues music. Olga Bogatyrenko, Ph.D., University of California, Davis (2007) Assistant Professor International Relations, Methodology, Comparative Politics 716-673-3888 |  olga.bogatyrenko@fredonia.edu I conducted my dissertation work in Washington DC (2004-2007), where I was a graduate fellow/instructor for the UC Washington Center. In my research I focus on international conflict and security, terrorism and violent groups, and great power security strategies. Methodologically, I am interested in issues of concept formation and measurement and in the logic of case selection. I teach courses in International Relations, US Foreign Policy, and Research Methods. Also, I am introducing courses on America’s Wars, Terrorism and Counter-terrorism, and Violent Non-State Actors. My current research agenda focuses on three article projects and a book project. I am originally from Ukraine and I travel to Ukraine annually to visit family and friends. I am an avid photographer, hiker, cat lover, tennis player, skier and Wizards fan. Alex Caviedes Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, at Madison (2006) Assistant Professor. Wesern European Politics, European Union, Immigration, Comparative Capitalism 716-673-4672  |  alexander.caviedes@fredonia.edu My teaching interests are mostly in comparative politics: Western European politics, the EU, immigration, and comparative capitalisms, though I also teach international relations courses such as international law and international organization. My research interests are in comparative political economy and international political economy generally, as well as multi-level governance and international law. My research deals with labor migration policy in W. European countries, where I examine the ability of trade unions and employers' associations to determine policies. In-depth case study analysis of Germany, the UK, Austria and the Netherlands has shown that labor migration is moving away from national models toward a greater convergence in policies across countries in the same sectors. Further research interests deal with whether the European Union will be able to develop a comprehensive common immigration policy, a subject on which I have published in the Journal of European Public Policy. My studies, research and family ties have led to longer stays in Germany and Italy, but I feel at home in most any European setting. I am a passionate fan and player of soccer, and I enjoy strumming on my guitar when I get the chance. Jonathan Chausovsky Ph.D; University of Texas at Austin (2005) Assistant Professor American Political Development, Constitutional Law, Political Economy 716-673-4673 | jonathan.chausovsky@fredonia.edu I teach courses in American Politics, Constitutional Law, and Civil Liberties. I previously taught at Marquette University in Milwaukee, which included courses on the Presidency, and on Parties and Elections.  My research interests are at the intersection of law, economics, and American Political Development.  I have an article forthcoming on the development of corporation law in late nineteenth century America, in Studies in American Political Development. My dissertation is on the development of these laws, and I am currently extending this to state regulation and prosecution of corporations.  I have previously lived in the Seattle area, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, New York City, Austin, Texas, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I have a background in modern dance, and enjoy downhill skiing and ice skating. James Hurtgen Ph.D; SUNY, Buffalo Professor Political Philosophy; Law and Society 716-673-3885 | james.hurtgen@fredonia.edu  At Fredonia since 1971, I chaired the Department of Political Science for eight years, served as Dean of Liberal Studies, and helped found the Albany Semester Intern Program. I teach in political philosophy, law, and American politics and received the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching, 1976. I have written articles on the political philosophy of Thomas Hobbes, democratic theory, the American presidency, and Herman Melville. I recently published The Divided Mind of American Liberalism (Lexington Press, 2002), a study of divisions within American liberal thought in the 20th century. In 1999, we established a Mock Trial team at Fredonia, which competes in competitions sponsored by the American Mock Trial Association. I am married with two children, both of whom received undergraduate degrees from Fredonia. I enjoy canoeing, backpacking, fly-fishing, cross-country skiing and woodworking. David Rankin Ph.D; University of California, Santa Barbara (1999) Associate Professor American Politics; Media and Politics; Public Opinion; Elections 716-673-4715 | david.rankin@fredonia.edu My teaching fields are in American Politics, Media and Politics, Campaigns and Elections, Public Opinion and Political Participation, Public Policy, Civic Education and Engagement. Research areas include political psychology, political communication and political culture in which I am interested in the symbolic politics of identity, elite and mass attitudes, media influence, political learning and behavior. I have been conducting ongoing survey and media content collection and analysis on related projects with student research assistance funded by several grants. I have published articles in journals such as Political Behavior, Comparative Politics, and Presidential Studies Quarterly, and contributed to several books. I coauthored the book “Winning the White House, 2004: Region by Region, Vote by Vote (2005), and co-edited the book “Transformed by Crisis: The Presidency of George W. Bush and American Politics” (2004). I am currently working on the book “Lessons in Democracy: The American Politics Experience, Civic Education and Engagement.” I received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching (2004) and serve as the campus-wide coordinator for internships in Washington, DC. Ivani Vassoler Ph.D. University of Maryland Assistant Professor Coordinator of International Studies International Politics; Political Economy of Development; Inter-American Relations; Latin American Politics 716-673-3887 | ivani.vassoler-froelich@fredonia.edu I teach several courses in international politics, among them comparative politics of developing nations, U.S. foreign policy, International Political Economy and Latin American affairs. Research areas include urbanization & environmental sustainability in Latin America, urban governance in Brazil, and inter-American relations. I have conducted extensive field research in Brazil and Mexico, and have presented the results at national and international conferences. I am the co-author of a report on urban planning and politics in Mexico City and published articles in political science, urban affairs and history journals. I have a broad experience in international journalism, including broadcasting contributions to the BBC and Deutsche Welle radio services, and also to key Brazilian media outlets. I also worked in consulting projects for the European Union and the World Bank. I am a great enthusiast of study abroad programs, enjoy traveling and swimming, good music & movies and cherish the company of friends. Adjunct And Visiting Instructors Raymond J. Rushboldt MA; Ph.D candidate; SUNY, Buffalo Instructor American Politics; Electoral Behaviour; Russian Politics 716-673-3206 | raymond.rushboldt@fredonia.edu I am a proud alumnus of SUNY/Fredonia, graduating "with greatest honors" with a major in both Political Science and History. Recipient of various awards, including Dawley Award for Outstanding Senior in Political Science (Fredonia) and three year Social Science Divisional Assistantship (SUNY/Buffalo). My Ph.D. thesis is on explanations of the levels of voting turnout for elections at the state and local level. My major teaching interests are in American Politics- including voting and elections and state/local government- and in Comparative Politics (especially Western Europe and former Soviet Union). I have also taught courses at SUNY/Buffalo, St. Bonaventure University, & Jamestown Community College. For relaxation, I enjoy reading for intellectual nourishment and gardening for thinking and an exciting outdoor experience! I take the time to enjoy many personal friendships, volunteer work at my church, and membership on the Chautauqua County Youth Board. I am currently a member of the College Senate, Chairman of the SEFA campaign, and advisor to a variety of student groups. I am also currently the Director of SUNY Model European Union. Diane Costlow-Oyler Ph.D. University of Buffalo, SUNY (2006) Lecturer American Politics 716-673-4769 | diane.oyler@fredonia.edu John Gullo Lecturer Law 716-679-0100 | jgullo@netsync.net Deborah Lynn Williams Lecturer Campaigns and Elections 716-673-3207 | politicsbuffalo@aol.com Emeretus Faculty Leonard Faulk Ph.D (Social Work); Pittsburgh Associate Professor; On leave from PS Department Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs Public Policy; Social Work; Local Politics 716-673-3336 | leonard.faulk@fredonia.edu