Chryl Laird
University of Maryland College Park

When did you first become a member of ISPP? What prompted you to serve on the Governing Council?
I became a member of ISPP in 2021. Nicholas Valentino prompted me to serve on the Governing Council. He offered excellent insight into the benefits of ISPP and the great network of international scholars.

What is your background?
I am a political scientist. I specialize in American politics, race and ethnic politics, and political psychology. I earned my PhD from The Ohio State University and I am an associate professor of Government and Politics at the University of Maryland College Park.

What are your current research interests?
My current research examines the political socialization of Black women and girls, the collective political memory of Black diasporic people in the U.S. and France, and black/white racial gaps in foreign policy preferences.

What professional/academic achievement are you most proud of?
I was the co-recipient of the 2021 APSA Book award for my co-authored book with Ismail White, Steadfast Democrats: How Social Forces Shape Black Political Behavior.

What is the best piece of career advice you have ever received?
Your first job may not be your last job. Engage in a research agenda that sets you up for where you aspire to be in the future regardless of your initial placement.

What do you find most rewarding about your time with ISPP?
The ability to meet and collaborate with international scholars.