Faculty members put their knowledge into action so students and others are able to benefit from it. Recently, faculty have published articles, op-ed's, won awards, and much more.
Kristin McKie
Associate Professor of Government and African Studies and Chair of the Government Department Kristin McKie was recently quoted in an article published by The New York Times, “Mexico’s Presidents Get Only One Term. Is That a Good Thing?”
The article explores the pros and cons of the strict one-term limit for presidents, and how it’s a safeguard against potential autocracy as well as a barrier to sustained policy initiatives. Supported by insights from McKie, the article underscores ongoing debates over the term limit's democratic implications and effectiveness in preventing authoritarian tendencies while potentially limiting governance continuity.
McKie’s research explores the development of political institutions across sub-Saharan Africa, especially relating to rules that constrain executive power and rules that facilitate citizens' access to justice. Her work is based on field research in Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia, and is supported by the National Science Foundation and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. She has recently been invited to speak about her research at the U.S. State Department, the Defense Intelligence Agency and the Brookings Institution.
Howard Eissenstat
Associate Professor of History Howard Eissenstat was recently featured by World Politics Review for his discussion on the domestic political fallout of the recent municipal elections in Turkey and how Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has responded. In his essay, Eissenstat argues that, so far, Erdogan's strategy has been to attempt to rally his base and has doubled down on repressive measures at home.
Eissenstat's research focuses on Turkish foreign and domestic policy, particularly the role of ideology in guiding state decision-making.
Kevin Angstadt '14
Assistant Professor of the Math, Computer Science, and Statistics Department Kevin Angstadt '14 was recently recognized by Watertown Daily Times's NNY Business 2024 class of 20 under 40 "in recognition of work completed in Northern New York as an emerging leader under the age of 40 who is making an impact as a rising star in his profession and community." Angstadt was recognized on June 4 at the Paddock Arcade in Watertown at the awards reception. Additionally, he was featured in a profile in the May issue of NNY Business, which highlights the strength of the Math Computer Science, and Statistics department at St. Lawrence University. Angstadt was also featured as a front-page article in a recent issue of the Watertown Daily Times Print News article.
Angstadt’s research expertise is in the intersection of computer architecture, programming languages, and software engineering, where he develops programming support for emerging hardware technologies.
Sahar Milani
Associate Professor of Economics Sahar Milani was recently featured by Wallethub for her piece on “Best Online Checking Account.” Milani suggests that by choosing an online checking account, users should prioritize understanding fees, minimizing balance requirements, and ensuring they have thorough access to ATMs. Milani also stresses the importance of ensuring the bank offers secure online and mobile banking tools with features like two-factor authentication and verifying FDIC insurance coverage for deposit protection.
Milani is an innovation economist with research interests that include environmental economics, macroeconomics, and the financing of innovation. At St. Lawrence, she has taught courses on personal finance, environmental economics, natural resource economics, the economics of innovation, and macroeconomics.
Rafael Castillo Bejarano
Visiting Assistant Professor of Spanish and Co-Coordinator of the Caribbean, Latin American, and Latino Studies program Rafael Castillo Bejarano had a peer-reviewed article recently published in the Bulletin of Spanish Studies. His article encompasses history, politics, urbanism, courtly ceremony, theater, and poetry in its multidisciplinary analysis of a spectacle of state celebrated in the Plaza Mayor of Madrid in the heydays of the Habsburg's Empire.
Castillo Bejarano also participated in a roundtable on new study trends in Miguel de Cervantes' poetry, at the 70th Annual Meeting of the Renaissance Society of America, held recently in Chicago.
Pedro Ponce
Associate Professor of English and William L. Fox Associate Professor of Public Health Pedro Ponce has recently been awarded the 2024 Tom La Farge Award for Innovative Writing, Teaching, and Publishing. This award is designed to foster literary activity that embodies serious play, imagination, erudition, and innovative practice. Named after Tom La Farge, a writer known for blending wit, fabulism, and radical play, the award aims to honor his legacy by encouraging works that challenge conventional literary norms.
Ponce’s research is focused in creative writing, and he specialized in fiction.
James Sieja
Assistant Professor of Government James Sieja’s recent article “For panicking Democrats, the Electoral College may finally be an asset” was published by The Hill.
In his article, Seija discusses President Joe Biden’s recent debate performance, and how Democrats are considering replacing him with a different candidate. Seija argues that Democrats can still rely on Biden's name being on the ballot, using the Electoral College to direct electors to vote for an alternative candidate if necessary. He shares that this approach would require Democrats to embrace the Electoral College, a system they've historically criticized, but it offers them a strategic advantage in navigating the election.
Karl Schonberg
Professor of Government Karl Schonberg’s recent op-ed, "Better Speech Policies Start with Campus Buy-In," was published by Inside Higher Ed. In his op-ed, Schonberg emphasizes the importance of proactive measures in addressing future speech crises on college campuses. Schonberg teaches popular courses including International Relations, Foreign Policy, and First-Year Program courses.
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St. Lawrence’s Faculty Focus is a regular roundup of noteworthy faculty news.
