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Alex Farone

Education:
M.A. Political Science, University of Kentucky (2025)
B.S. Political Science, Middle Tennessee State University (2022)
Biography:

I am a Ph.D. Candidate with a concentration in American Politics, with my minor field being Political Institutions. I am currently completing my dissertation and am open to work in any academic position. 

My research interests center on the Supreme Court and its politics, particularly regarding the relationships the Court has with other actors in the political system. I am specifically interested in utilizing the text of Supreme Court opinions and Oral Arguments to create new datasets and answer questions regarding the Court's lack of connectivity with the general public. 

Currently, my primary line of research focuses on citizens' responses to efforts to overturn the 2024 presidential election using the Supreme Court, as well as their reactions to judicial scandals and their broader impact on the Court's legitimacy. I've also conducted research using text analysis to collect and analyze behavioral norms in Supreme Court dissenting opinions, specifically the norm of respectful dissent. 

I am an experienced and passionate instructor who utilizes instructor-guided dialogue methods of teaching to facilitate more intentional and active learning. My teaching has been recognized not just by students and faculty but also by the College of Arts and Sciences as being exceptional. 

For more information about me, check out my website www.alexfarone.com or contact me via email, either using alexander.smith@uky.edu or alexsfarone@gmail.com 

Research Interests:
Courts and Judicial Politics
Political Behavior
Text Analysis
Survey Research
Campaigns & Elections
Courses Offered

Primary Instructor

  • PS 360: Politics of Law and Courts - Summer 2023, Fall 2023, Spring 2024, Summer 2024, Fall 2024
  • PS 363: Criminal Courts and Process - Spring 2025
  • LJ 201: Introduction to Law and Justice - Summer 2025, Fall 2025
Awards

     Teaching

  • College of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Teaching Assistant: 2025

    Research

  • Michael Hale Award for Best Graduate Student Paper: Kentucky Political Science Association 2025 Meeting
  • Best Graduate Student Paper: University of Kentucky 2024-2025