Political Science Club
Political Science Club 2022-2023
Welcome to the Political Science Club!
This club is focused on welcoming everyone who is interested in politics regardless of political affiliation or field of study. We strive to create an environment where all students feel welcome and are bonded by their shared fascination of all things political. Our goal is to boost civic participation while also engaging students from diverse disciplines with various career paths in the field of Political Science. We work closely with the Political Science Department and our Advisor to communicate all the opportunities that we have as Political Science students here at Cal Poly.
The Political Science Club has regularly scheduled meetings and will also be planning speaker nights, social events, and creative ways for students to engage with their democracy, major, professors, and each other this year.
Our club will be meeting on the 4th Tuesday of each month in the fall quarter of 2022 and will have regularly planned social events and guest speakers throughout the year. Please feel free to reach out for more information, and join our mailing list for updates on our events/meetings.
Contact Us
Email: polsclubcp@gmail.com
Instagram: CPpolsclub
Advisor: Dr. Jennifer Denbow
Meet the 2022-2023 Board
Katie DeFant (she/her)
Major: Political Science Major with a concentration in American Politics and a minor in Global Policy.
Year: 4th
Position: President
Bio:I was born and raised in Sacramento, California. Prior to transferring to Cal Poly, I attended Folsom Lake College, where I solidified my passion for politics and discovered my interest in policy writing. Aside from my involvement in student life, I enjoy getting involved in local political campaigns. Most recently, I worked as a Deputy Field Organizer for the Kermit Jones for Congress campaign, where I learned the importance of mobilizing and empowering voters. Outside of school and professional life, I enjoy shooting film photography, going on spontaneous adventures, baking, and reading murder mystery novels.
Role: As President, I’m in charge of running meetings, delegating duties, and serving as a liaison between ASI and Political Science club.
Most Excited for in the Upcoming Year: I’m most excited for Political Science majors, minors, and everyone in between to have an opportunity to build community. I hope the Political Science club will serve as an avenue for everyone to build comradery and seek professional development alongside faculty, staff and other politically driven students.
Eddie Madrid (he/his)
Major: Political Science Major with a minor in Law & Society Minor
Year: 4th
Position: Vice-President
Bio: I’m from Fullerton, California, just a short drive from Disneyland. Aside from my involvement in the political science club, I am also part of the Phi Alpha Delta pre-law co-ed fraternity. Some of my interests are hiking, reading, cooking, and going on road trips.
Role: As vice president, I help the president of the club plan and execute events. I also help the rest of the officers when needed.
Most Excited for in the Upcoming year: I am looking forward to building the club up, meeting new members, cultivating a political atmosphere for all parties, and having events throughout the year.
Jeffrey Schmehl (he/his)
Major: Political Science major with a concentration in American Politics and a minor in Law and Society
Year: 4th
Position: Treasurer
Bio: I am from Lake Forest, California, which is wedged between Irvine and Mission Viejo in Orange County. Before coming to Cal Poly, I attended Santiago Canyon College in Orange. Apart from my role in the POLS club, I am a member of the Philosophy Club and the Undergraduate Law Association. Outside of classes, I love to play hockey, collect and play guitars, and relax by the ocean.
Role: As Treasurer, I oversee the financial aspect of the club. I place orders for club supplies and anything else that is required. I also ensure that the club is following the correct financial procedure.
Most Excited for in Upcoming Year: I am very excited to meet and build relationships with fellow politically minded students of all academic backgrounds here at Cal Poly. I am also looking forward to the many events that we have planned throughout this upcoming year!
Wesley Ahumada Newhart (he/his)
Major: Political Science major with a concentration in Global Politics and a double minor in City and Regional Planning and Spanish
Year: 4th
Position: Communications and Outreach Chair
Bio: I am from Helena, Montana, and transferred from Montana State University to Cal Poly in 2021. In addition to my duties in the Political Science (POLS) club, I am also a student intern in the Office of Univ. Diversity and Inclusion, an intern with the Lanhee Chen for Controller 2022 campaign, and will be participating in a Cal Poly Global Program in Valladolid, Spain with Professor Arceneaux in the fall of 2022. In my free time, I enjoy reading, swimming, hiking, and traveling.
Role: As the Communications and Outreach chair, I manage our webpage, run our social media accounts, and publicize our meetings and events to our network. I also work closely with other officers on strategic growth initiatives and planning and promoting events throughout the year.
Most Excited for in Upcoming Year: I am excited to work with my fellow board members to create a fun and useful resource for political science people. I am also excited to meet the other PolySci nerds of Cal Poly and have a great year of events, speakers, and friends!