Who We Are

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Who We Are

Dr. Allyson Shortle

Dr. Shortle is an associate professor of Political Science, director of graduate studies in political science, and co-founder of the Community Engagement + Experiments Lab, where she serves as a faculty advisory board member.

Her areas of specialization include American public opinion, political psychology, immigration, race and politics, and religion and politics. She also has expertise as a survey methodologist in the areas of survey and experimental design, and lends support to organizations seeking to increase civic engagement as well as physical and mental health in local communities around the U.S. Dr. Shortle earned her doctorate degree at The Ohio State University.

Dr. Andrea Benjamin

Dr. Benjamin earned her Ph.D. from the University of Michigan. Her research interests include Race and Politics, Local Elections and Voting behavior, and Public Opinion.

Her first book, Racial Coalition Building in Local Elections: Elite Cues and Cross-Ethnic Voting, explores the potential for Black and Latino Coalitions. Using the Co-Ethnic Elite Cues Theory, the book shows that Blacks and Latinos rely on endorsements from co-ethnic leaders when casting their ballots. This is especially true when race and ethnicity are salient in the campaign. This book was published by Cambridge University Press in 2017.

Andrea Benjamin is originally from Northern California and completed her undergraduate degree at the University of California, Davis.

Dr. Tyler Johnson

Dr. Johnson is an Associate Professor, teaching courses in American political behavior (including mass media, campaigns and elections, and public opinion). His research agenda focuses on how information (be it reporting on the part of the media, campaign advertising, a public service announcement, or a candidate's biography) affects attitudes toward political actors and issues.

Tyler directs the Cortez A.M. Ewing Public Service Fellowship. He earned his PhD in Political Science from Texas A&M University.

Dr. Joy Pendley

Dr. Pendley is a Professor of Practice, teaching community engaged research courses. Students in this course work with community organizations to provide evidence based research that the organizations need. Students conduct community surveys and interview with leaders, stakeholders and Oklahoma legislators. She also has a research project looking at the success of underrepresented students in higher education.