Courtney I. P. Thomas received her education at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. She earned a BA in Political Science in 2002, a MA in Political Science in 2006, and a PhD in Planning, Governance, and Globalization in 2010.
Her research and teaching emphasize: political economy, comparative politics, international relations, food safety and security, mass political violence, and public policy.
Courtney has presented her research at conferences in Ljubljana, Slovenia; Salzburg, Austria; Baltimore, MD; Las Vegas, NV; Austin, TX; San Francisco, CA; and Washington, D.C.
She is adept at teaching large introductory lectures, intermediate courses, advanced seminars, and online classes in a variety of subject areas. She holds a graduate certificate in Preparing the Future Professoriate and has participated as a presenter at the American Political Science Association’s Teaching & Learning Conferences. She is the lead instructor for the Department of Political Science’s First Year Experience course for all incoming freshmen and transfer students.
Courtney is currently employed as a Visiting Assistant Professor by the Department of Political Science at Virginia Tech where she also serves as the Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies, undergraduate academic advisor, and internship coordinator. Â She leads the Political Science orientation sessions and facilitates recruitment efforts. She would be open to a tenure track college/university appointment for the 2018-2019 academic year.