Alex P. Smith
Research Interests
Alex is a Ph.D. candidate in American Politics. His research and teaching interests include American political institutions (Congress & the Presidency), American Political Development, American Political Thought, and Public Policy. His dissertation introduces William Riker’s theory of heresthetic into the literature on political negotiation by highlighting the roles of strategic voting and dimension manipulation in changing legislative inertia. In 2019, he received a Congressional Research Grant from The Dirksen Congressional Center to conduct archival research for his dissertation.
Brief Biography
Alex graduated with honors from Wheaton College (IL) in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. Before coming to the University of Florida, he gained five years of experience working in legislative politics: first, in the District Office of Congressman Peter J. Roskam (IL-06), and then at the Minnesota House of Representatives (including two years staffing the Ways and Means Committee). These experiences provided invaluable exposure to the inner workings of the legislative and executive branches of government at both the state and national levels.
His hobbies include watching the Chicago Cubs, cooking, and spending time with his family.
Contact Information
Email: alexpsmith@ufl.edu
Office: 201B Anderson Hall
Office Hours: Fall 2019 – Monday: 10:40-11:30 am & by appointment
Mailing address:
University of Florida
Department of Political Science
234 Anderson Hall
P.O. Box 117325
Gainesville, FL 32611