Library Engages Political Scientist in Residence

University of Illinois Chicago associate professor of Political Science Dr. Alexandra Filindra will serve as Political Scientist in Residence at the Vernon Area Public Library District to help library patrons successfully navigate and engage with the 2024 election cycle.

For many adults, United States civics and government classes were long ago and some of the procedural details may have been forgotten. For others, the 2024 elections may be their first time voting in the US. For all prospective voters, the library aims to be a reliable and nonpartisan source of accurate information.

As Political Scientist in Residence for the library, Filindra will lead lectures, provide recommended reading, and create opportunities for residents to explore topics of importance to the Vernon Area community.

“I look forward to answering questions about what we know about politics, why people behave the way they do in politics, and how to distinguish good information from bad information, said Filindra.

“I hope to help people understand a little bit better about how the government works,” she noted. “Trust in our government is fundamental for tackling society’s major challenges.”

The first lecture, “Election Literacy 2024: Political Process & Psychology,” will take place on Sunday, January 29, from 1-2 p.m. at the library and on Zoom. Participants will hear about the primary season, debates, and fundraising, along with some introductory concepts about how psychology plays a role in voter behavior.

• Program is past. ▶️View an archived recording.

Attendance is free and open to all; signup is required. Interested adults can sign up online, by telephone at 224-543-1485 or in person at the library.

Filindra holds a Ph.D. in political science from Rutgers University and served as a post-doctoral researcher at Brown University’s Taubman Center for Public Policy and American Institutions and the Center for the Study of Human Development. Her work has appeared in the Journal of Politics, Political Behavior, Policy Studies Journal, Regional Studies, State Politics and Policy Quarterly, Harvard Education Review, Migration Studies, International Migration and other scholarly journals.

This article was amended January 31 to clarify that Dr. Filindra holds a position at University of Illinois Chicago.