The Graduate Association in Political Science (GAPS) is a registered OU graduate student organization in which membership is reserved to those currently enrolled in the MA or PhD in political science degree program at the University of Oklahoma. The purpose of GAPS is to engage in such activities that improve socialization and professional training within the department. Examples of these activities include hosting social events, organizing Lunch-N-Learns, hosting graduate student orientation, and other professional socialization opportunities. Dr. Allyson Shortle, director of graduate studies, is the faculty advisor for GAPS.
President
Laken DeBoard is from Ryan, Oklahoma, and is a second-year political science PhD student. Her research focuses on place-based identity and behavior in American politics. In the spring of 2023, Laken earned a BA in political science from Cameron University. Laken is an enthusiastic graduate teaching assistant. Outside school, Laken enjoys drinking coffee, spending time with her family and dogs, and watching good television series.
Email: laken.deboard@ou.edu
Vice President
Will Livingston is from San Dimas, California, and is a second-year political science PhD student. He has a BA in political science and an MPA from BYU where he interned for the Utah State Legislature, Arizona Governor's Office of Strategic Planning and Budget, and Alpine City. Current research interests include bureaucratic action after ambiguous rule-making, the role of religious institutions in the provision of public services, and citizen perception of public institutions. Outside of school, Will enjoys cooking French and Peruvian food, reading Brandon Sanderson, and camping.
Email: william.j.livingston@ou.edu
GAPS Event Chair
Kellie J. Lewis is a Citizen of the Kit'ke'hahki Band of the Pawnee Nation and is of Kiowa and Wichita Tribal decent. She is in her first year of the political science doctoral program where she specializes in Public Policy, Public Administration, American Politics and Government and Federal Indian Education Policy. She will graduate with her MPA degree in the Fall of 2024. She is a member of a proud OU Family Legacy, a photographer and an avid sports fan.
Email: kjlewis@ou.edu
GAPS is responsible for sending two senators representing political science to the Graduate Student Senate for a one-year term. Senators are elected by the GAPS membership.
GSS Senator
Renata Emini is a first-year PhD student and is one of our Senators in the OU Graduate Student Senate. She is a 2022 OU grad with a BA in Political Science and completed her MPA this past spring. She is a first-generation Albanian-American student from Arlington, Texas. As an academic, she is interested in education policy and public law.
Email: renata.emini-1@ou.edu
GSS Senator
Austin Nettrouer is from South Whitley, Indiana, and is a first-year political science PhD student. His subfields are public administration, public policy, and American politics with a focus on education policy. Austin received his BA and MPA from Indiana State University. Outside of school, Austin enjoys working on artwork in woodburning and painting mediums.
Email: adn@ou.edu
