Emma Barrett – an FSU alumna (B.S. Political Science ’25; B.S. International Affairs ’25) – began her Ph.D. in Political Science at Harvard University’s Department of Government this Fall, studying American Politics.
The Government Department at Harvard is home to one of the world’s leading communities of study and scholarship in political science. As one of 129 Ph.D. students , Barrett will receive hands-on training by conducting supervised dissertation research and by working with faculty on research projects and undergraduate teaching.
“Professors in FSU’s Political Science Department were absolutely instrumental to my success during this graduate application cycle,” Barrett said. “It was through meetings and classes with Dr. Brad Gomez, Dr. Andy Ballard, Dr. Carlisle Rainey, and Dr. MC Ramos (of the ISS program) this past fall and spring that I received hours of application support and advice.”
Apart from pursuing dual degrees at FSU, Barrett was also involved in the Presidential Scholars Program, the Honors Program, and the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP). During her second and third years with the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy (COSSPP), she served as an honors colloquium leader for incoming honors freshmen. As a senior, she served her community as an Engage 100 leader.
When asked what advice she would give to current FSU students, Barrett said, “The best advice I could give to students interested in political science is to seek out as many FSU professors as you are able; they are experts in their field for a reason! Tell them what you are interested in (whether it is studying politics, working on campaigns, or getting involved with NGOs) and they will, undoubtedly, have something very helpful to say or resources to connect you with.”
To learn more about FSU’s Departments of Political Science or International Affairs, visit cosspp.fsu.edu/polisci or cosspp.fsu.edu/internationalaffairs