August 04, 2006
Political scientist recognized for research efforts
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- A political scientist at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is receiving high marks for his productivity.
J. Tobin Grant, assistant professor of political science at SIUC, is tied for sixth place among American political science junior faculty for the number of journal articles published, according to the Web site http://assistingpolitics.blogspot.com.
"I was surprised," Grant said. "While I have been fortunate in getting my research published, I didn't realize how much until viewing the list."
"I am tremendously proud of Tobin's achievement," said Robert L. Clinton, chair of SIUC's political science department. "We measure academic productivity largely by publications. This attests to the high quality of our department and the University, and demonstrates the success of our recent efforts to emphasize the field of American politics in our curriculum."
Grant's work focuses on American politics, particularly representation in Congress and the politics of campaign finance reform. He also does a good deal of work on political methodology.
He credits his mentors for his success.
"I began research while an undergraduate," Grant said. "One of my first publications actually began before graduate school. So, from undergraduate through graduate school, I've had mentors who have shown me how to research well and how to publish."
Grant also applauds the excellent academic environment at SIUC. "We have a collegial department that fosters good research. We have also had the support of the dean and other administrators who have provided the resources necessary for research," he said.
Grant teaches American politics and methodology. He is a co-author of "Expression vs. Equality: The Politics of Campaign Finance Reform" (Ohio State University Press 2004) and author of "Playing Politics," a book of in-class simulations for American politics courses (W.W. Norton 2004).
Grant received a bachelor's degree from Wheaton College in1996 and master's and doctoral degrees from The Ohio State University in 2001.
Celebrating faculty excellence is among the goals of Southern at 150: Building Excellence Through Commitment, the blueprint for the development of the University by the time it celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2019.