Asbury Political Science Student Attends United Nations Intensive Summer Program

July 2, 2024

In June, Political Science major Danylo Mykhaliuk ’25 attended the United Nations (UN) Intensive Summer Program near the UN Headquarters in New York. Designed for graduate students, advanced undergraduates, and mid-career professionals, this week-long program immersed participants in the political dynamics of the UN. Hosted by Seton Hall University’s School of Diplomacy and International Relations, the program brought students together with distinguished practitioners working in the field of multilateral diplomacy.

“Alongside 30 students, I learned so much about how the UN operates and heard from experts in the field,” said Mykhaliuk, who plans to attend graduate school upon graduating next year. “My dream job would be doing research or teaching at the university level.”

Mykhaliuk heard about this opportunity during a class session with Asbury Assistant Professor of Political Science & History Dr. Glenn Harden.

“I was delighted that Danylo was able to attend the United Nations Intensive Summer Study Program this summer,” said Harden. “Understanding the institutions that shape our world is an essential part of the study of political science and valuable preparation for careers in international diplomacy and peace-making.”

Mykhaliuk describes his positive experience as a Political Science student at Asbury.

“I had the opportunity to go on the D.C. Seminar trip with Dr. Steve Clements during my sophomore year,” Mykhaliuk said. “Both he and Dr. Harden have provided hands-on experience with the concepts we have learned through talking with representatives, senators, interest groups, and more.”

As part of a renewed Political Science major, the Asbury University Social Science & History Department this fall will launch two new minors: Human Trafficking Studies and Pre-Law. These new programs allow students to customize their Political Science degree and minor based on their interests with electives in various areas including business, equine, computer science, and more.

“The Human Trafficking Studies minor can be relevant to multiple majors,” said Harden, “Anti-trafficking work brings together people from many sectors including policy-making, survivor care, law enforcement, business, education, health care, social services, coding, research, and religion. Thus, students who major in various disciplines can benefit from learning more about the complexity of human trafficking in the United States and beyond.”

Political science students continue to thrive in internships and careers, including Demarion Johnson ’21 (Press Secretary for Senator Tim Scott) and Alison Perfater ’23 Katter (Press Assistant for the United States Senate). Current law school students include Anna Lauren Jacobs ’22 (University of Kentucky), Dallas Kastens ’22 (Vanderbilt University), and Peter Li ’23 (Wake Forest University).

“We teach students to apply what they learn about politics — about the way the world works — to organizations of all sorts, and thus we have graduates with careers in fields such as banking, non-profit management, and finance, as well as law and government,” said Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences and Professor of Political Science Dr. Steve Clements ’83.

The Asbury University Social Science & History Department currently offers four majors (History, Political Science, Social Studies Grades 8-12, and Sociology) and three minors (History, Political Science, and Sociology).