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JEREMY BACKSTROM

@jeremybackstrom

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Behavioral scientist with expertise in political violence and human rights.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I seek a role that fosters collaboration, encourages innovative research, and values academic integrity.

I am a behavioral scientist with a Ph.D. in Political Science, specializing in political violence, terrorism, human rights, and authoritarian regimes. My academic journey has been marked by a commitment to rigorous research and a passion for teaching. I have successfully published peer-reviewed articles and presented my findings at various professional conferences, showcasing my dedication to advancing knowledge in my field.

Currently, I serve as an Assistant Professor at Widener University, where I conduct independent research and develop a wide range of undergraduate courses. My role involves not only teaching but also supervising empirical research projects that utilize quantitative analysis. I have led divisional-level committees, contributing to academic governance and curriculum planning, which reflects my leadership skills and commitment to academic excellence.

In addition to my academic experience, I have a background in the private sector, where I managed data collection and analysis projects. My work as a Junior Researcher at the University of Maryland allowed me to hone my skills in statistical analysis and data management, further enhancing my ability to contribute to the understanding of global terrorism and its impacts.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Assistant Professor

Current

Widener University

Aug 2018 - Present (6 years 11 months)

Conducted independent scientific research on political violence, human rights, and authoritarian regimes, publishing peer-reviewed articles and developing new datasets. Developed and taught a variety of undergraduate courses, including syllabus creation, class preparation, and assessment.

Political Violence Research Authoritarian Regimes Data Set Development Quantitative Analysis Curriculum Development Faculty Governance Mentorship

Adjunct Faculty

Albright College

Aug 2016 - May 2019 (2 years 9 months)

Developed and taught courses in international relations and comparative politics. Conducted independent scientific research on political violence and authoritarian regimes, presenting findings at professional conferences and creating new datasets.

Comparative Politics Political Violence Research Authoritarian Regimes Data Set Development

Adjunct Faculty

Widener University

Aug 2017 - May 2018 (9 months)

Developed and taught courses focused on Middle East politics, the developing world, and international relations. This role involved comprehensive course design and delivery.

Middle East Politics Teaching Curriculum Design

Junior Researcher

National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses

Jun 2015 - Dec 2016 (1 year 6 months)

Collected and analyzed thousands of media reports to identify and validate global terrorism events for the Global Terrorism Database (GTD). Managed the Casualties and Consequences domain, performing quality control assessments for government agencies.

Data Collection Data Analysis Global Terrorism Database Quality Control Project Management Mentorship

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of North Texas

Ph.D., Political Science

Obtained a Ph.D. in Political Science, specializing in political violence, terrorism, human rights, and authoritarian regimes. This advanced degree provided a strong foundation in behavioral science and research methodologies.

Villanova University

M.A., Political Science

Completed a Master of Arts in Political Science, deepening knowledge in political theories and international relations. This program further developed analytical and research skills.

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Texas A&M University -Commerce

B.S., Political Science

Earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science, gaining foundational knowledge in political systems and governance. This undergraduate degree provided a comprehensive understanding of the field.