Department of Political Science

A woman with pink earrings and a light top
In the internet age, misinformation can spread like wildfire—and, in the COVID-19 era, endanger lives. First-year student Thea Barrett is working with media organizations to help reduce its speed and reach.
A Zoom call with three visible participants
From conducting self-led research on environmental justice to interviewing prominent Black Lives Matter activists Bree Newsome Bass and Darnell L. Moore for Pitt’s new anti-racism course, senior Oluchi Okafor is making their mark on vital contemporary issues.
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Compressing the academic calendar to finish on-campus learning by Thanksgiving break means Labor Day is a class and work day at Pitt this year. The move was designed to limit the risk of spreading COVID-19 during the holiday travel season.
A man in a pink and gray shirt with a Pitt face mask
Years ago, three students dreamed up the Year of Engagement and worked to make it a reality for 2020-2021. Learn how to get involved—including applying for funding and winning prizes during the Fourteen Day Challenge, which starts today.
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Nick Trainer (A&S '10) double majored at the University of Pittsburgh in political science and history and has taken his love of politics into his current role as director of battleground strategy for the Donald Trump presidential campaign.
A woman in a black and white dress stands next to a DNC Milwaukee banner
This week, Katie Fricchione (A&S ’12) is putting her Pitt degree to work as deputy director of public engagement for the DNC. And public health graduate student Amy Raslevich shared her personal story with the likes of Nancy Pelosi during a panel on health care coverage.
two women in masks
“If you can avoid it, you should avoid it, and there’s no reason to not take reasonable precautions,” says Madeleine Biache, a Pitt student who contracted COVID-19 this spring. See what advice she has for students as they return to campus this fall.
Emiola Jay Oriola, left, and Noah Jennette
Leonard Berenfield (ENGR ’64), who initiated the creation of the Office of Interfaith Dialogue and Engagement, has given Pitt students the opportunity to unite across differences.
Jennifer Iriti in a gray jacket and blue scarf
A grassroots effort started by Jennifer Iriti, a research scientist at Pitt, quickly became a movement to donate more than 70 anti-racist books to teachers across the country.