Penn State Penn State: College of the Liberal Arts

Michael J. Nelson

Michael J. Nelson

Michael J. Nelson

Professor of Political Science and
Director of Graduate Studies
Affiliate Law Faculty
232 Pond Lab University Park, PA 16802
in person, Tuesday 12-1 and by appointment
Michael J. Nelson

Education

PhD. Washington University in St. Louis

Professional Bio

Michael J. Nelson is Professor of Political Science. He specializes in American politics, state politics, and judicial politics. His research examines the effects of judicial elections, public support for courts and the rule of law in the United States and abroad, and the effects of collegiality on judicial behavior. His research has been funded by the National Science Foundation and the Russell Sage Foundation and has received best book awards from the Law and Courts and State Politics and Policy sections of the American Political Science Association.

Areas of Interest

  • American Politics
  • State Politics
  • Federal and State Courts, and Judicial Behavior
  • Judicial Politics