Welcome!

I am Assistant Professor of Political Science at Bryant University in Smithfield, RI. I earned my Ph.D. (2024) and M.A. (2020) in political science from the University of Maryland and my B.A. (2017) summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa in political science from the University of Tennessee, where I also completed the Chancellor’s Honors Program and the departmental honors program.

My research centers on American politics, with particular focus on political representation, interest groups, legislative studies, and polarization. I am especially interested in how the structure and composition of issue spaces shape group formation, strategy, and advocacy. My dissertation developed a theoretical framework showing that interest groups do not operate in isolation, but rather interact - formally and informally - within a broader policy ecosystem. Some of this work, along with related projects, has been published or is forthcoming in Political Science Research and Methods, Political Research Quarterly, Interest Groups & Advocacy, and Pursuit.

In the classroom, I aim to cultivate intellectual curiosity alongside personal belonging. I combine traditional lecture with discussion, current events, and active learning strategies that meet students where they are — whether they are majors or studying politics for the first time (…or in my class because it is a curricular requirement). I believe that development matters more than polish, and I work to foster an environment where academic confidence can emerge. In addition to teaching, I value mentoring as a space for individualized growth, and I strive to guide students beyond the classroom toward meaningful academic and professional opportunities.

You can contact me via email at thightower@bryant.edu.