Jacob received his PhD in Political science with specializations in American Politics and Political Behavior from the University of Pittsburgh in 2023. He is interested in questions of representation, particularly with regards to race and gender. His dissertation examined the dynamics of city councils, the institutional factors that affect the inclusiveness of the legislatures, and how citizen perceptions of compromises interact with legislator actions. In other collaborative work, he has conducted experimental research on how gender stereotypes affect perceptions, how communication influences decision-making, and how group membership influences the ABA rankings of judicial appointments. In addition to his research, Jacob has taught TV’s West Wing and the Executive Branch at Tufts University and The American Political Process (PS200), Constitution and Civil Liberties (PS1201), US Congress (PS1214), American Public Policy (PS1261), and Religion and American Politics (PS1275) at the University of Pittsburgh.

Prior to joining Pitt’s graduate program, Jacob worked in a variety of political organization. Immediately after he graduated from Tufts University in 2012 with a degree in Political Science (and a minor in Religion), he joined the campaign of Barack Obama as a Field Organizer in Virginia. After the election, he moved to Washington, D.C., working on the Presidential Inaugural Committee and spending time in the office of Congressman Mike Doyle (PA-14) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. A Pittsburgh native, Jacob enjoys all things Black and Gold, and stays busy playing softball, soccer, and exploring the city with his wife, Diana, and son, Benjamin.

Courses Taught

• TV’s West Wing and the Executive Branch at Tufts University
• The American Political Process (PS200)
• Constitution and Civil Liberties (PS1201)
• US Congress (PS1214)
• American Public Policy (PS1261)
• Religion and American Politics (PS1275)