On May 10, the Department of Political Science hosted its first PhD Graduate Breakfast, celebrating four of the department’s six Spring 2026 doctoral graduates. Faculty, staff, students, and family members came together to honor this significant academic milestone and recognize the graduates’ achievements.

Spring 2026 PhD graduates include Adrian Calmettes, Jiyoon Kim, Cecelia Kinney, Cameron Macaskill, Dominic Pfister, and Charlene Stainfield. During the event, each student's dissertation committee chair shared remarks highlighting the exceptional quality, originality, and impact of each student’s research, offering personal reflections on their scholarly journeys and contributions to the field.

Graduates are moving on to a range of next steps, including postdoctoral positions, academic roles both in the United States and abroad, and careers in the private sector.

The department extends its congratulations to all of the Spring 2026 PhD graduates and wishes them continued success!