University of Maryland Department of Government & Politics

06/01/2026

Students in GVPT449G: Global Justice recently traveled to the World Bank headquarters in Washington, D.C. for an exciting opportunity to experience global policymaking up close.

Led by Sujith Kumar, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Government and Politics, students met with one of the World Bank’s Executive Directors for more than two hours before continuing the experience over lunch at the World Bank’s well-known food court.

The visit connected directly to the seminar’s focus on global justice, where students examine questions related to poverty, the environment, war, and competing interests in an increasingly globalized world.

The trip was supported by Virginia Haufler’s Global Fund.

05/21/2026

Four GVPT and IR students have been named 2026 University of Maryland Senior Marshals — one of the university’s highest honors for graduating seniors. 🎓

Recognized for their academic excellence, leadership, service, and impact across the UMD community, these students have distinguished themselves both inside and outside the classroom.

Join us in congratulating:
• Dhruvak Mirani (IR)
• Dorian Amaya Mitchell (GVPT)
• Stefano Raffo (GVPT)
• Ziyan Ahmed (IR)

We are proud to celebrate their achievements and the meaningful contributions they’ve made throughout their time at Maryland.

Congratulations to these outstanding Terps on this well-deserved honor! 🐢

05/19/2026

Purpose, passion, and persistence. 👏

From being selected as a 2026 UMD Senior Marshal to earning recognition as a Truman Scholarship nominee and receiving the Adele’s Circle of Women Scholarship, Judy Nasser has built a path at Maryland grounded in service, leadership, and a deep commitment to making a difference.

Now continuing her journey through the MA in International Relations (MAIR) program, Nasser is pursuing her passion for international relations, migration, and global policy while preparing for a future centered on advocacy and public service.

As she prepares for her next chapter, Nasser hopes other students embrace opportunities that challenge them, trust their instincts, and pursue work that feels meaningful to them — even if their path changes along the way.

We’re proud to spotlight Judy and all she has accomplished during her time at UMD. 🌍

Read more by clicking the link below:
https://go.umd.edu/JudyNasser

05/18/2026

As she prepares to graduate from the University of Maryland, senior Government and Politics major Briana McGregor leaves behind a legacy of advocacy, leadership, and community impact.

From helping rebuild UMD’s NAACP chapter to working within the Maryland General Assembly, McGregor has spent her time at Maryland turning passion into action. As Political Action Chair for the newly rechartered NAACP chapter at UMD, she helped lead initiatives focused on civic engagement, policy awareness, and student involvement while continuing to push herself outside her comfort zone.

“If I want to give back to my community and be a voice for my community, I need to be in the room where the change is happening,” McGregor said.

As graduation approaches, McGregor hopes the work she and her fellow student leaders have started will continue long after they leave campus.

Read more about Briana’s journey by clicking the link below:
https://go.umd.edu/BrianaMcGregor

05/18/2026

Congratulations to Lia Dolev, who will be graduating soon with a bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland Department of Government & Politics!

The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native plans to work on a political campaign after graduation, and then attend law school, where she will focus on policy and constitutional law. Lia says that GVPT331: Courts, Law, and Justice solidified her decision to go to law school, and that GVPT431: Introduction to Constitutional Law sparked her passion for constitutional law.

To current students, she offers this advice: "Say yes to every opportunity, find a good study spot, and go to office hours!"

Congrats, Lia! 👏

05/14/2026

Federal workers often find themselves caught in the middle of political battles in Washington.

GVPT Associate Professor David Karol joined WUSA 9 to discuss the impact of recurring government shutdowns, the challenges facing federal employees, and the political realities surrounding proposed protections for workers affected by shutdown-related financial hardships.

Watch the full interview here: https://go.umd.edu/federalworkforce

05/12/2026

From international relations and terrorism studies to legal internships, peer advising, and honors research, Yildiz Malik is making the most of her time at GVPT.

A junior majoring in International Relations with a minor in Global Terrorism Studies, Yildiz has built an impressive path shaped by leadership, service, and a passion for understanding global issues. From interning with FEMA and a law firm in Colombia to co-founding the Asian-American Pre-Law Society and supporting students through the GVPT advising office, she continues to turn her interests into meaningful impact both inside and outside the classroom.

Now, she’s conducting an honors thesis research focused on corporate accountability, human rights, and global supply chains in Francophone Africa.

“Whether that’s through field work, corporate accountability, or legal work, I want to help protect people,” she said.

Read more about Yildiz’s journey by clicking the link below:
https://go.umd.edu/YildizMalik

05/11/2026

05/11/2026

Congratulations to GVPT Assistant Professor Giancarlo Visconti, recipient of the 2025–2026 Elmer Plischke Annual Faculty Research Award.

The award recognizes a faculty member whose research portfolio has led to major and important publications.

Professor Visconti studies comparative political behavior in Latin America, focusing on how insecurity and social change shape political attitudes, voter behavior and democratic accountability. In 2025, he published six articles in leading journals including The Journal of Politics, Journal of Peace Research, Research & Politics and Comparative Politics.

From migration and ideology to crime, public opinion and democratic accountability, Professor Visconti’s research explores some of the most pressing political questions facing Latin America today.

Congratulations to Professor Visconti on this well-deserved recognition.

05/07/2026

Congratulations to Marcus Johnson, Assistant Professor in the Department of Government and Politics (GVPT), on receiving the Excellence in Service for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice Award from the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSOS).

This award recognizes members of the BSOS community whose work advances diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice through leadership, mentorship, community engagement, and impactful initiatives across the college.

We are proud to celebrate Dr. Johnson’s commitment to fostering belonging, supporting students, and strengthening our community.