I am an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at UIC, where I also direct the undergraduate program. Briefly, my research focuses on the policy commitments of political parties, media reports of political news, and the institutional dynamics within the European Union. 

Specifically, my research agenda has centered around three inter-linked themes. (1) A prominent share of my work focuses on the policy commitments that political parties make at election time, voters perceptions of such commitments, and the institutional mechanisms that allow them (or not) to act on those commitments once in office. I have conducted such research on Bulgaria, the European Union (EU), and (more recently) the United States. (2) Some of my works explores how the print media portrays election promises, along with other political news, and what is the impact of such news. I've studied these processes in Bulgaria and in Spain. (3) My more recent work is on democratic processes within the European Union, including the agenda-setting role of the European Commission, the interaction between the Commission and the European Parliament, and the ability of national-level government members to pursue their policies through the EU. 

My publications span newer and established democracies, including the European Union (EU) and its institutions, and rely on original data collected and coded for the purposes of this research. In my work I utilize research tools such as archival work and content analysis of original documents, multivariate regression analysis, and elite surveys. In addition to my solo-authored publications, I have co-authored with scholars from Australia, Austria, Canada, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the US.
I am available to supervise graduate and undergraduate students who are interested to do research on the following topics: institutions of democratic governance, the European Union (broadly), and political communication. 

I often give public talks and lectures related to my research to community groups, businesses, and continuing education programs. I also serve as expert witness and consultant through Communitology. 

In addition to my research activities and teaching, I oversee the undergraduate program in the department, and I always welcome conversations with students pursuing the POLS major, who are interested in the opportunities that we offer. 

Prior to joining UIC I was the Associate Director for the Center for European Studies at the University of Florida, where I was engaged in grant writing and management, community outreach, and academic program development. I am available to give community talks of a wide range of topics, pertaining to the European Union and current events. 

Outside of work, I am a busy mom of a travel hockey player. When not traveling, I enjoy growing vegetables, baking bread, and entertaining friends, especially in our garden. My full CV can be found here.

 ACADEMIC AND ADMINISTRATIVE POSITIONS
Associate Professor, with tenure, Dept. of Political Science, University of Illinois at Chicago, 8/2019-present 
           Director for Undergraduate Studies, Political Science, 08/2018-present
          Faculty Affiliate, European Union Center, UIUC, 01/2025-present 
          Faculty Fellow, Honors College, 2012-present
            Associate Member, CEERES, University of Chicago, 2010-present
Assistant Professor, Dept of Political Science, University of Illinois at Chicago 8/2011-8/2019  
Associate Director, Center for European Studies, University of Florida, 08/2008-08/2011
           50% service and administration, 25% research, 25% teaching
Assistant Director, Center for European Studies, University of Florida, 05/2004-08/2008 
           75% service and administration, 25% teTaching
Internship Coordinator, European Union Studies Program, University of Florida, 08/2003-05/2004         
           100% administration
Adjunct Lecturer, Department of Political Science, University of Florida, 12/2002-05/2004  (part-time)         
Adjunct Lecturer, Department of Political Science, Florida State University, 08/2002-12/2002 (part-time)