Professor Shanna Pearson-Merkowitz’s research focuses on public policy, inequality, and political geography. Professor Pearson-Merkowitz’s research has appeared in some of the top political science journals including the Journal of Politics and the American Journal of Political Science. Professor Pearson-Merkowitz is also well versed in real world politics and the policy process. She worked for several years as a Legislative Director for a top elected official in the Maryland statehouse and has served on the governing board of several nonprofit organizations. In addition to teaching courses on American Politics at the University of Rhode Island (URI), she also runs the Mentor Tutor Institute that organizes URI students to mentor and tutor in Rhode Island public schools.

Community Engagement
Mentor Tutor Internship Program at the University of Rhode Island

University Service Activities
Department of Political Science Assessment Committee - 2011-Present
Internship Adviser, Department of Political Science - University of Rhode Island 2009-Present
Faculty Senate - University of Rhode Island, 2011-2014
Dean’s Advisory Committee - University of Rhode Island 2010-2013
Health in the Lifespan Cluster Hire Committee - 2012-2013
Department of Political Science Tenure and Promotion Committee - 2011-2012
Department of Political Science 50th Anniversary Planning Committee - 2010-2011

Off-Campus
Editorial Board Member - State Politics and Policy Quarterly, 2011-2014

Education

• Ph.D., May 2009 | University of Maryland, College Park
• M.S., May 2006 | University of Maryland, College Park
• B.A., January 1998 | Hampshire College