Melissa Sands,
Associate Professor, Government, Brooks School of Public Policy
Academic focus:
I'm interested in how people's everyday experiences affect their political behavior.
Current research project:
I'm working on a new project that explores narratives about economic inequality and political violence on TikTok.
Previous positions:
Assistant Professor of Politics and Data Science, Department of Government, London School of Economics, U.K., 2021-2026
Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, University of California, Merced, 2017-2021
Academic background:
Ph.D., Government (American politics and quantitative methodology), Harvard University, 2017
M.P.A., Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs, 2010
B.A., Sociology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2005
Last book read:
For work: “Neighborhoods Matter” by Carrie LeVan
For fun: “London Falling” by Patrick Radden Keefe
In your own time/when not working:
Exploring Ithaca on foot or by bike, spending time with my family
Courses you’re most looking forward to teaching:
In the spring I'm teaching a new course on data science applications in politics and policy.
What most excites you about Cornell:
The opportunity to meet researchers who are doing pathbreaking work outside of my field
X handle/blog url:
https://melissasands.org Bluesky: @msands.bsky.social
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