Department of Social Sciences News and Events
Social Sciences News and Events
Explore our latest news and events to see how our department celebrates research, civic engagement, and the impact of the social sciences.
There’s always something happening in the Department of Social Sciences! From students presenting research through programs like SURE (Summer Undergraduate Research Experience) to receiving honors and awards in economics, political science, history, and urban and regional studies, our community is actively exploring the forces that shape society. We celebrate student and faculty achievements through research presentations, conference participation, including events like SABE, and departmental recognition ceremonies throughout the year.
You’ll also find guest speakers, career panels, and events that connect students with alumni and professionals working in government, policy, business, and community organizations. Explore faculty publications, student accomplishments, and research highlights that demonstrate the real-world impact of the social sciences.
Department News
Associate Professor of Political Science Julio Borquez and Professor of Middle East and Iranian Diaspora Studies Cam Amin published the paper co-authored with Razieh Araghi "Political Participation and Research Motivation of Iran Specialists in American Academia: How an Academic Community Responds to Events in the U.S. and Iran" in Higher Education Politics & Economics. In the paper the authors analyze the increase in political activities, especially more assertive ones, of Iranian Studies scholars working in US academic institutions over the span of 2016-2023 and how they see such political engagement and media outreach as an extension of their professional lives.
Associate Professor of Economics Warren Anderson with published the paper Tracking Detroit business activity with the Yellow Pages 1920–1957 in Structural Change and Economic Dynamics. This paper is based on a dataset that Warren created based on the business addresses spanning across 39 industries from the Detroit's phonebooks 1920-57.
Professor of History Anna Muller published her paper (co-authored with Paul Draus) "From Confinement to Connection: The Evolution of the Art & Agency Workshops" in Apprende+Agir. Anna and Paul are discussing the impact and evolution of the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program and their work bringing current and past incarcerated individuals, students and community members together through Art & Agency and Who’s Your Neighbor workshops.
Professor of Political Science Mitch Sollenberger's paper, co-authored with M.Rozell, "Opposing Congress:Alternative Ways to Benefit from Executive Privilege Protections" was published by Political Science Quarterly. In this article the authors discuss the tension between the presidential power and Congress when it comes to investigations and how the expansion of executive power in the recent decades made it harder for Congress to exercise checks and balances.
Associate Professor of History Kristin Poling's paper, "Useful Natures: The Working Class and Urban Green Space in Imperial Berlin" was published in the book Grounding Berlin: Ecologies of a Technopolis, 1871 to the Present edited by T.Moss. In the chapter Kristin discusses how Berliners have been using their green spaces (parks and forests) for foraging for food, fun, and (at times) for supplemental income. Kristin shows the changes in the newspaper coverage of the practice, including the distinction between legitimate use or not so much and the way newspapers were trying to be useful by educating the public on responsible use and poison prevention.
Professor of History Marty Hershock was interviewed for a podcast Tales from the Reuther Library, the episode "Polish American Women and Detroit’s 1938 Federal Screw Works Strike" This is based on his paper in Polish American Studies.
Associate Professor of History, Hani Bawardi was featured in The New York Times, highlighting a major exhibit at the NY Public Library titled "Charting the History of New York's Middle Eastern Community." The NYPL automated several important late 19th and early 20th-century newspapers. Bawardi's work is helping shape a new monument honoring Arab American authors.
Professor of History Marty Hershock was interviewed for the Interlochen Public Radio Points North podcast. The episode covered the dispute about the Michigan-Ohio border.
Department Events
The University of Michigan–Dearborn will host the Society for the Advancement of Behavioral Economics (SABE) Conference from June 23–25, 2026. The three-day event will bring together scholars and practitioners from behavioral economics and related disciplines, including psychology, sociology, anthropology, neuroscience, public policy, decision science, and business, for research presentations, networking and collaboration. The conference offers an opportunity to share new insights, connect across disciplines, and build community in the field while gathering in the Dearborn, Michigan area.
Each year, the Economics program celebrates exceptional students through its annual awards recognizing academic excellence, research, and leadership. Explore our 2025 awardees.
Each year, the Political Science program celebrates exceptional students through its annual awards recognizing academic excellence, Honors scholars, research, leadership, and different scholarship opportunities.
Every year, the History Discipline celebrates excellence in its students through annual awards. Students in the program are recognized for research, writing, digital presentations, Honors, and much more. Explore our recent awardees.