Marija Bekafigo, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Political Science

Marija Bekafigo is an assistant professor of political science. She holds a Ph.D. from The University of Florida, an M.A. from The University of Connecticut and a B.A. from The University of South Florida. Her research and teaching interests include the U.S. Congress, the U.S. presidency, American government, and political parties.

Her current research focuses on congressional actions performed by party leaders and committee chairs in the U.S. Congress from 1950-2000. She argues that both party leaders and committee chairs perform critical actions necessary to making policy regardless of whether they are leaders in the party government or committee government era. She was recently awarded a summer research grant from The College of Arts and Letters to pursue this study. 

Dr. Bekafigo is also examining the use of social media by state parties with Diana Cohen at Central Connecticut State University. They argue that the minority or out-party in the state legislature will have a higher web presence in blogs, twitter, Facebook, and the like, so that their voice can be heard. This manuscript is currently under journal review but a version can be downloaded here: Campaigning in the Digital Age: An Analysis of State Party Websites

 

Dr. Bekafigo is married with one dog, Maggie Mae, and two cats, Girlie and Smokey. She reminds you, "Help control the pet population by spaying or neutering your pets and adopt a pet from a local animal shelter."

Dr. Bekafigo's Curriculum Vitae (3 page PDf)

For additional information about Dr. Bekafigo, visit her webpage: www.marijabekafigo.com.

To contact Dr. Bekafigo, email her at Marija.Bekafigo@usm.edu.