Grady Anderson – a third-year Political Science and Interdisciplinary Social Sciences major – recently co-authored a review in the publication Social Forces with Radha Modi, Ph.D., Assistant Director & Associate Teaching Professor for Interdisciplinary Social Sciences.
Anderson is engaged in research, leadership, and academic excellence at FSU. His recent publication in Social Forces was co-authored with faculty mentor Dr. Radha Modi, Assistant Director & Associate Teaching Professor, Interdisciplinary Social Sciences.
Anderson and Dr. Modi’s publication is a review of The Random Factor: How Chance and Luck Profoundly Shape Our Lives and the World Around Us by Mark Rank, Ph.D., who is a Professor of Social Welfare at the University of Wisconsin.
“Collaborating with Dr. Modi on our review of The Random Factor has been a transformative experience in my academic journey,” Anderson said. “This research challenged me to think critically about the intersection of chance and social inequality, broadening my perspective on societal structural influences.” He added that the opportunity strengthened his analytical skills and reinforced his passion for contributing to political and social science research.
“I chose to attend Florida State because of the incredible support the university provides to its students,” Anderson said. “FSU is one of the best schools in the country at offering life-changing opportunities, and my time here has been proof of that.”
Anderson’s involvement at FSU extends beyond the classroom. He is an active member of The Presidential Scholars Program, the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP), and the Applied Politics & Policy Learning Experience.
Through APPLE, Anderson has gained invaluable hands-on experience in local, state, and federal politics, participating in internships and collaborating with faculty mentors like Amanda Driscoll, Ph.D., Associate Professor & Director of Undergraduate Studies for Political Science, and Brad Kile, Ph.D., Teaching Faculty II & Director of the Master’s in Applied American Politics and Policy within the Department of Political Science.
“APPLE gave me access to opportunities I would have never received at any other school,” Anderson said. “It introduced me to some of my closest friends and incredible faculty mentors.”
His passion for public service has led to leadership roles within Student Government, where he previously served as Director of Legislative Research for the Office of Governmental Affairs and currently holds the position of Secretary of Collegiate Affairs in the Executive Cabinet.
Additionally, Anderson is a Student Research Assistant in the Office of the Provost. FSU’s emphasis on undergraduate research influenced Anderson’s career aspirations. As a freshman, he was paired with Dr. Modi to explore the effects of political polarization on college students’ critical thinking skills.
This experience inspired him to launch his Honors in the Major project, which examines the relationship between policy salience, information, and partisan animosity. His research-intensive training continues through the Political Science Research Intensive Bachelor’s Certificate, where he is developing advanced statistical modeling and experimental research skills.
“FSU has prepared me well for a Ph.D. program in Political Science,” Anderson said. “From conducting research with faculty mentors to learning advanced statistical methods, I have been able to explore the intersection of political science and data analysis in ways that will shape my future academic and professional career.”
Looking ahead, Anderson plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Political Science, with a focus on political behavior and public opinion.
To learn more about FSU’s Interdisciplinary Social Science program, visit: cosspp.fsu.edu/iss.