Jason Pierceson, professor of political science in the School of Politics and International Affairs at the University of Illinois Springfield, has published a new article analyzing how the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 Dobbs decision, which overturned the constitutional right to abortion, is influencing federal judges’ approaches to transgender rights.

Miguel M. Valente

Jacob Friedman

Jacob Friedman is a 2023 graduate of the Master of Arts in Political Science program at the University of Illinois Springfield. During his time at UIS, Jacob served as Editor-in-Chief of The Observer, where he managed publication operations and mentored student journalists, helping them reach their writing goals while honing the organizational management skills he utilizes today.

A University of Illinois Springfield researcher has co-authored a new study showing that the way political leaders talk about refugees can significantly influence public opinion.

The University of Illinois Springfield delegation earned the prestigious Outstanding Delegation award—the highest honor presented—at the 2025 National Model United Nations (NMUN) Conference held April 13-17 in New York City.

Conor was inducted into Pi Sigma Alpha. Conor works part-time for the Collins Law Firm as a video editor. He is also a fellow with the Progressive Turnout Project as a canvasser for the Sean Casten campaign. He hopes to work in the state legislature. He is the owner of the newsletter and podcast, The Progressive American.

Amy teaches 10th and 11th grade history at Cornell High School and a dual- enrollment Government and Politics course for seniors in partnership with Robert Morris University. She was one of 18 educators awarded the 2024-25 Fulbright Distinguished Award in Teaching to the United Kingdom. She will spend four months at the University of Glasgow researching civics and humanities education in the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence.