I am Nicholas Spina, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Slippery Rock University. My academic journey has taken me through various institutions, including Edgewood College in Madison, WI and the American University in Bulgaria. I hold a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Missouri and a B.A. in Policy and Applied Economics from Michigan State University. My interests span Comparative Politics, International Relations, Migration, and Social Capital. My research has been published in academic journals and am I currently working on several new papers. As an educator, I strive to foster an engaging learning environment across a wide array of subjects. Beyond teaching and research, I've participated in faculty learning communities, served on committees, and acted as a faculty advisor for student organizations. I also had the unique experience of serving in the Peace Corps in Armenia.