Andrew Bloeser

I am an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Allegheny College in Meadville, PA. Before coming to Allegheny College, I completed my B.A. at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and my Ph.D. at the University of Illinois. My research and teaching interests lie primarily in political behavior, participation, and mobilization.

As a scholar, my research is motivated by a commitment to the ideals of participatory democratic theory. More specifically, my research examines the inherent challenges of participatory democracy and seeks strategies for overcoming these challenges. One of my current projects examines the challenges of mobilizing citizens for collective action. Another examines the challenges of communicating accurate policy information to citizens.

My teaching similarly combines a focus on participatory democracy with my interests in American politics and citizen behavior. Courses I teach include political psychology, politics and the news media, and direct action organizing (social movements and community organizing).

My commitment to participatory democracy also extends beyond my academic work. Prior to joining the faculty at Allegheny College, I worked as a community organizer for the Champaign County Health Care Consumers (CCHCC) where I contributed to campaigns addressing health care and environmental justice concerns.