Honors Advisers
Michael Berkman is a Professor in the Department of Political Science, Director of the McCourtney Institute for Democracy, and he directs the department honors program. His research is American state and local politics and American democracy.
Contact: mbb1@psu.edu
Matt Golder is a Professor in the Department of Political Science. He is an expert on political representation and comparative politics
Contact: mgolder@psu.edu
Gretchen Casper is an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science and an honors advisor. She is an expert on democratization and civil conflict.
Contact: gcasper@psu.edu
Bumba Mukherjee is a Professor in the Department of Political Science and an honors advisor. He is an expert on political violence, civil conflict, and formal theory.
Contact: bumba.mukherjee@psu.edu
Academic Advisers
Kristie Kalvin is an academic adviser in the Department of Political Science. She has been working with undergraduate students at Penn State for over 18 years. Throughout her Penn State career, Kristie has worked in the College of Engineering, the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, and Old Main. Over ten years with the College of the Liberal Arts give her a deep appreciation for the value of a liberal arts education and how students can combine different disciplines to create a fulfilling curricular path. Kristie’s extensive experience with the different programs and colleges across Penn State is a great asset to her students, who benefit from her insight in helping them find and follow their passion.
Greg Nolan is an academic adviser in the Department of Political Science.
Mia Parisse is an academic adviser in the Department of Political Science. Mia completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre with a concentration in Stage Management and a minor in Dance at Penn State. After working in the industry for a short time, she completed a Master of Science in Elementary Education at the University of Scranton and taught K-6 in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Mia’s understanding of discipline and goal setting – she is a classically trained ballet dancer and a marathon runner – are a great asset to her students. She helps students to identify what they want to achieve and find the academic and extracurricular resources to pursue their ambitions.