ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Michael "mJ" Strawbridge '15
Michael “MJ” Strawbridge ’15, PhD, is a tenure-track assistant professor of political science at Washington University in St. Louis, where he researches Black political psychology, political representation, and the influence of race and gender in American politics.
Michael “MJ” Strawbridge ’15, PhD, is a tenure-track assistant professor of political science at Washington University in St. Louis. His research concentrates on Black political psychology and political representation. He teaches courses at WashU on race and ethnic politics, race and gender, and the political psychology of racial attitudes.
At Burroughs, MJ was a member of various clubs and took on multiple student leadership positions, including serving as chief justice of the Student Court. He was also a member of the football, wrestling, and track and field teams all four years of high school and served as co-captain of the wrestling team during his senior year. MJ deeply appreciated the mentorship he received from coaches, including Mylin Johnson ’92, Dean Tiffany, John Merritt, Daniel Harris, and Jud Dieffenbach ’97, whose guidance helped instill the mindset and work ethic that still shape how he approaches his work today.
MJ attended Beloit College, where he double majored in political science and media studies. He was also on the football and track and field teams all four years. After Beloit, MJ earned his doctorate in political science at Rutgers University, specializing in American government and quantitative methodology.
Regarding his research, MJ is currently working on several projects that highlight the centrality of race and gender in American politics. This includes a book-length project examining the influence of African American culture on Black public opinion. In a second book project, he explores the impact of Black women’s growing presence in Congress over the past 50 years. When he is not teaching or researching, MJ writes op-eds connecting current events to academic research. He also regularly offers commentary on political issues to outlets at the local, national, and international levels.
MJ has enjoyed returning home to St. Louis and exploring the city as an adult after being away for so long. He regularly meets up with former classmates who live nearby and often goes downtown for sporting events. He still appreciates his time at Burroughs, where the academic rigor, supportive community, and endless opportunities to explore his interests provided a strong foundation for the path that followed.
MORE ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTS
Alumni Spotlight: Michael “MJ” Strawbridge ’15
Michael “MJ” Strawbridge ’15, PhD, is a tenure-track assistant professor of political science at Washington University in St. Louis, where he researches Black political psychology, political representation, and the influence of race and gender in American politics.
Alumni Spotlight: Holly Lowy Bernstein ’89
Holly Lowy Bernstein ’89 is co-lead of the Missouri Election Protection Coalition’s St. Louis Metro Field Program and founding board member of Access MO, a PAC supporting reproductive healthcare freedom.
Alumni Spotlight: Evie Oglesby ’16
Evie Oglesby ’16, a Denver-based mechanical process engineer, discovered rugby in college and now plays for the Denver Onyx as part of the newly formed Women’s Elite Rugby league.
Alumni Spotlight: Keaton Wetzel ’11
Keaton Wetzel ’11 is a New York City-based urban planner who partners with transit agencies and cities across the country to design and improve their transit networks.
Alumni Spotlight: Nicole Shen ’05, MD
Nicole Shen ’05, MD, a gastroenterologist and founder of Easy Belly, is redefining the way digestive health care is delivered.
Alumni Spotlight: Andrew Scavotto ’96
Attorney Andrew Scavotto ’96 was recently recognized for his work on a landmark case expanding food assistance in Missouri — work that reflects his deep commitment to service.