Michael V. Elwell
PhD Candidate in Political Science
University of North Texas
I am a PhD candidate in Political Science at the University of North Texas, specializing in Queer Politics, Racial and Ethnic Politics, and Minority Group Insecurity. My research focuses on understanding LGBTQ+ political behavior, linked fate, and the dynamics of minority acceptance in political systems. I expect to complete my doctorate in 2027.
My research interests include queer linked fate, anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes, European party platforms and minority acceptance, and intersectional solidarity within the LGBTQ+ community. Prior to my doctoral studies, I earned my B.S. in Political Science from Texas A&M University-Commerce, where I was a McNair Scholar.
Research
Under Review / In Preparation
From Flags to Fate: Developing a Queer Utility Heuristic
Journal Submission, 2023
This paper develops a theoretical framework for understanding how LGBTQ+ individuals use heuristics to evaluate political utility and navigate decision-making in contexts of minority group insecurity.
What Factors Explain LGBTQ+ Policy in U.S. Cities?
With Brian Hamel, In Preparation for Journal Submission, 2024
An analysis of the political, demographic, and institutional factors that shape LGBTQ+ policy adoption and implementation across American cities.
Working Papers
Violence and Attitudes Towards the LGBTQ Community
With Roman Hlatky, Working Paper, 2024
Examining how exposure to violence against LGBTQ+ individuals affects public attitudes and policy preferences regarding the queer community.
LGBTQ+ Hate Crime in America
With Ayal Feinberg, Unpublished Manuscript, 2020
An empirical analysis of patterns and trends in anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes across the United States.
Curriculum Vitae
Download my full CV for complete information about my education, research,
teaching, and professional activities.
Download CV (PDF)
Education
Ph.D. in Political Science, University of North Texas
Expected 2027
Fields of Study: American Politics, Comparative Politics
B.S. in Political Science, Texas A&M University-Commerce
May 2022
Minor in Latin American & US Latino Studies, Minor in Sociology
Honors and Awards
Charldean Newell Graduate Political Science Scholarship
University of North Texas, 2022-Present
TRiO McNair Scholars Program
2019-2022
Claude and Ethel Hall Scholarship
Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2019-2022
President's List
Texas A&M University-Commerce, Spring 2022
Professional Service
Peer Reviewer for:
- Politics, Groups and Identities
- Political Research Quarterly
- Sexuality Research and Social Policy
Organizational Committee Member and Panel Chair, Texas Undergraduate Research Conference for Social Sciences
Teaching
Instructor of Record
US Political Behavior and Policy 2305.003
University of North Texas, Fall 2025
US and Texas Constitutions and Institutions 2306
University of North Texas, Summer 2025
US and Texas Constitutions and Institutions 2306 (Co-taught with Dr. DeAnne Roark)
University of North Texas, Fall 2024
Teaching and Research Assistantships
Recent positions include:
Research Assistantship - Dr. Brian Hamel
University of North Texas, Spring 2025
Teaching Assistant - Multiple courses (2305, 2306, 3200)
University of North Texas, 2022-2024
Assisted Drs. Kimi King, Gloria Cox, Nicole Gligor, Wendy Watson, Roman Hlatky, Michael Greig, Marijke Breuning, Andrew Enterline, Jose Raul Guerrero, and Eddie Meaders
Guest Lectures
- "Mass Media: The Good, The Bad, and The Laughable" - University of North Texas, October 2022
- "Who's Ready to (Political) Party? Not Your Average Gathering" - University of North Texas, October 2022
- "Interest Groups" - University of North Texas, March 2023
- "Civil Rights 1 & 2" - University of North Texas, April 2024
Teaching Interests
I am prepared to teach courses in American Politics, Queer Politics, Racial and Ethnic Politics,
Political Behavior, and Comparative Politics at both undergraduate and graduate levels. I am also
interested in developing new courses on LGBTQ+ political movements, hate crimes and political
violence, and intersectionality in political science.