DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

Interests

Research Interest(s): My research agenda in political psychology and American politics examines how health issues affect individual behavior, attitudes, and opinion.

Program Area(s): American Politics

Regional Specialization(s): United States

Subfield Specialties: American Political Development; Public Opinion, Political Communication, and Political Participation

Biography

My name is Dr. Matt Pryor. I have a Ph.D.in Political Science. I hold an M.A. in Political Science from the University of Chicago. I also have a B.A. in Secondary Education Social Studies, and a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Arizona State University. My current teaching and research interests include political institutions, political behavior, personality and attitude formation, identity politics and health politics.

I came to Illinois from Arizona for graduate school but have lived here for over a decade now. I am married, and we have lots of cats but no kids. Previously, I was an AP US History, and AP Government teacher. I also coached football, softball, and track and field.

I love music! Favorite bands include the Grateful Dead, Radiohead, Wilco, Black Keys, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Jack White, Foo Fighters, Tribe Called Quest, The Roots. etc. etc. My favorite movies: Lawrence of Arabia, The Big Lebowski, Oceans 11, 12 and 13, Devil Wears Prada, Apocalypse Now, Crazy Rich Asians, Bridesmaids.