The staff at APSA work diligently to provide members with high quality resources, tools, and other materials relevant to the discipline. In this “Meet the Staff” section, we aim to showcase the individuals behind the American Political Science Association and the responsibilities of each role. Most of the APSA staff are based in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area while other staff remain remote.
MICHELLE ALLENDOERFER
Michelle Allendoerfer (she/her) serves as the Senior Director of Teaching and Learning. She coordinates APSA’s teaching and learning programs and professional development programs. Prior to joining APSA, Michelle was the faculty coordinator for the International Politics cohort of the Women’s Leadership Program at the George Washington University where she taught political science courses. In addition to her research on human rights, Michelle has published on pedagogy. She received her BA in Political Science at Carleton College and her PhD in Political Science from the University of Michigan. In her free time, Michelle enjoys running, travel, and food. After years of attending TLC and TLC at APSA as a member, Michelle now enjoys working with the APSA team and members to plan engaging teaching and learning and professional development programming.
BENNETT GRUBBS
Bennett l. Grubbs (he/him) serves as Manager for Teaching and Learning and Editor for APSA Educate. He manages and curates APSA Educate, the online-library showcasing exceptional teaching materials and resources, peer-reviewed research on political science higher education and timely discussions on innovative practices in political science learning. Prior to joining APSA, Bennett taught at both the New School’s Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts and the City College of New York’s Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership. He has presented research on American politics at multiple annual meetings of the American Political Science Association. Bennett earned his BA in political science from Le Moyne College and his MA in political science from Northern Arizona University. He is currently a PhD candidate in the Department of Politics at the New School for Social Research, where he is completing a PhD thesis on the course of progressive reform in early 21st century American politics.
CASEY HARRIGAN
Casey Harrigan (she/her) received a BS in Political Science from Towson University and a Masters of Public Administration from Baruch College. Combining her experience from these degrees, Casey joined APSA’s Membership Department in 2017. Now serving as the Director of Member Services, Casey provides support to APSA’s individual and department members including the coordination and implementation of member benefits and initiatives, Organized Sections, and Related Groups. Casey currently lives in New York with her family.
KARIMA SCOTT
Karima Scott (she/her), a Washington, DC native, serves as the Senior Director of the Communications and Marketing department. She is responsible for all communications and marketing efforts of the Association including branding and promotion of APSA program initiatives, managing and monitoring of the Association website and social media channels, implementation of new strategic marketing materials and campaigns, as well as serving as one of the Association’s layout and design specialist.
Prior to joining APSA in late 2013, Karima served as an AmeriCorp Public Ally after receiving her BA from George Mason University where she studied multimedia communications, sociology and the arts. She enjoys live entertainment, spending time with family and friends, traveling to new places, and creating DIY projects.
INDIA ANGELIQUE SIMMONS
India Angelique Simmons (she/her) serves as the Program Manager for Diversity and Inclusion Programs. She joined APSA in July 2021. She manages the APSA Mentoring Program, the Ralph Bunche Summer Institute, the Diversity Fellowship Program, Diversity Student Recruitment Program, Advancing Research Grants and the Fund for Latino Scholarship Program. India obtained her MA in Intercultural and International Communication from American University’s School of International Service in 2022. She received her BA in Human Rights, Political Science, and International Studies from Southern Methodist University in 2020 while minoring in Arabic, History and Women and Gender Studies. India’s areas of interest are race, gender and IR, postcolonialism, and human security. She enjoys gardening, fitness and traveling.
MAURA WITTKOP
Maura Wittkop (she/her) is a part of the membership team for Department Services, she joined APSA in 2022. Maura is in her final year at American University and is expected to earn her master’s degree in Global Governance, Politics and Security. Prior to moving to the DMV area, Maura earned her BA in political science at Rollins College in Winter Park, FL. Outside of the office, Maura enjoys exploring DC, spending time with friends, and finding a great book to read. n
