Biography
Dr. Lorentz (Ph.D., Wayne State University, 2019) is an assistant professor of political science here at Saginaw Valley State University. His research broadly focuses on the nexus between American constitutional law, judicial politics, and civic engagement, especially constitutional attitudes and electoral participation. His published work has appeared in the Journal of Political Science Education, Publius, the eJournal of Public Affairs, as well as in several edited collections. He is also the co-editor of Strategies for Navigating Graduate School and Beyond (American Political Science Association, 2022), a handbook for students pursuing graduate work in political science. At SVSU, Dr. Lorentz teaches courses in American politics, public law, and political theory. He also co-coaches the university’s nationally ranked Moot Court team, serves as the Cardinals Vote faculty coordinator, and is the advisor to the College Republicans and Pi Sigma Alpha (the National Political Science Honor Society). He also serves as President of the Michigan Political Science Association. Beyond his professional work, Dr. Lorentz has served as a long-time Michigan election canvasser responsible for auditing and certifying election results.
Education
Wayne State University
Bachelor of Arts
Saginaw Valley State University
Teaching Interests
PS 112: Writing & Politics
PS 118: Introduction to Political Science
PS 123: Introduction to American Government
PS 225: Statistics & Research Methods
PS 328/358: Moot Court
PS 329: Constitutional Law: Powers & Processes
PS 330: Constitutional Law: Civil Rights & Liberties
PS 345: Public Policymaking in the U.S.
PS 354: Democracy: Origins & Challenges
Research
Publications (Selected)
"From Civic Deserts to Engaging Campuses: Cultivating Public-Spirited Citizens in Rural Higher Education." In No Longer Fly Over Country: Rural Politics and American Democracy (2025, forthcoming). Co-authored with J. Cherie Strachan.
"A Republic on Which it Stands: Embedding Democratic Practice in the Constitution's Next 250 Years." In American Democracy: Preparing for the Next 250 Years (2025 forthcoming). Co-authored with K. Saks.
"Distributive Justice Game: Teaching Rawls in Real Time." In Short Games and Active Learning in Political Science: Beating the Clock (Taylor & Frances, 2025 forthcoming). Co-authored with K. Saks.
"Civic Engagement at Teaching-Focused Universities: Navigating the Challenges for Pre-Tenure Faculty." In Civic Pedagogy: Teaching Engagement in an Era of Divisive Politics (Springer Nature, 2023). Co-authored with W. O'Brochta & K. Saks.
Strategies for Navigating Graduate School and Beyond (American Political Science Association, 2022). Co-edited with D. Mallinson, J. Hellwege, D. Phoenix, and J. Cherie Strachan.
"Review of Hidden Laws: How State Constitutions Stabilize American Politics." (2022) Publius 52(2): e22-e25.
"Democratic Isolation, Thin Citizenship, and Insurrection: A Theory." (2022) eJournal of Public Affairs 11(1): 13-25. Co-authored with K. Saks.
“Service Guarantees Citizenship: Portfolio Work, Populism, and Scaffolding in Introductory American Government Classrooms.” (2022) Journal of Political Science Education. Co-authored with K. Saks.
“Review of Sexual Minorities and Politics: An Introduction.” (2017) Journal of Political Science Education 13(2): 239-242.
“Michigan’s Legislature.” Chapter in edited volume, Michigan Government, Politics, and Policy (Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan Press, 2017). Co-authored with T. Bledsoe.
Conference Paper Presentations (Selected)
"K12 Civics & Political Science: A Call for Renewed Attention." Educating Students for Civic Engagement: A Conference Exploring The Impact of Civic Education, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., March 13-14, 2024. Co-authored with D. Owen, B. Gentry, and P. McSweeney.
"Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo and the Future of Chevron Deference." Great Lakes Academy of Legal Studies in Business Annual Conference, Frankenmuth, MI, October 5-6, 2023. Co-authored with K. Saks.
"Unpacking the Political Stream: Multiple Streams Framework, Political Entrepreneurs, and Agenda Setting." Midwest Political Science Association Annual Conference, Chicago, IL, April 13-16, 2023. Co-authored with S. Zarb & M. Herring.
"Brighter Times Ahead but Don't Blow It Now: Assessing Racial and Gendered Impacts of COVID-19 Government Messages." European Conference on Politics & Gender, University of Ljubljana, July 6-8, 2022. Co-authored with S. Gancheva & K. Saks.
"Local Democracy or Perfunctory Legitimation? Explaining County Row Officer Elections." Midwest Political Science Association, Chicago, IL, April 7-9, 2022. Co-authored with B. Baybeck.
“Role of Periodic Conventions in Generating and Undermining Constitutional Support.” Midwest Political Science Association, Chicago, IL, April 14-18, 2021.
“The Jury Will Disregard: The Effects of Objectionable Evidence and Objections on Juror Behavior.” Midwest Political Science Association, Chicago, IL, April 14-18, 2021. Co-authored with K. Saks and K. Stepp.
“Courtroom Bias? A Study of Implicit Biases Faced by Asian-American Attorneys.” Southern Political Science Association, New Orleans, LA, January 7-9, 2021. Co-authored with S. Yarlagadda and K. Saks.
“Creating The People: How Do Students Conceptualize Proper Citizenship?” Midwest Political Science Association, Chicago, IL, April 16-19, 2020. Co-authored with K. Saks and M. Schroeder.
“Pathways to Citizenship: Using Populism’s Ethos to Create Engaged Democratic Citizens.” International Teaching and Learning Conference, Brighton, UK, June 17-19, 2019. Co-authored with K. Saks.
***Please see my CV for an updated and more comprehensive listing of my research.***
Community Engagement
Faculty Coordinator, Cardinals Vote (2024-present).
Election Canvasser Consultant, Bay County Board of Canvassers (2020-present).
Judge, We The People program, Michigan Center for Civic Education (2019-2022).
Judge/Tutor, National History Day Competition, Michigan History Society (2016-2020).
Member, Bay County Board of Canvassers (2010-2019).
Leadership
Member, De Gruyter-APSA Political Science Professional Development Series Editorial Advisory Board (2024-present).
President, Michigan Political Science Association (2024-present).
Faculty Coordinator, Cardinals Vote (2024-present).
Director, SVSU Moot Court Team (2024-present).
President-Elect & Program Chair, Michigan Political Science Association (2023-2024).
Member, Civic Learning & Democratic Engagement Working Group (American Political Science Association) (2022-present).
Member, Executive Council of the Michigan Political Science Association (2022-2023).
Assistant Coach, SVSU Moot Court Team (2021-2024).
Advisor, Pi Sigma Alpha – Alpha Eta Sigma chapter (2021-present).
Advisor, College Republicans of SVSU (2020-present).
Honors and Awards
Advisor of the Year Award, SVSU Office of Student Life -- 2024
Innovative Writing in Teaching Award Nominee, SVSU -- 2023
Affiliations
Pi Alpha Alpha
American Political Science Association
Midwest Political Science Association
Southern Political Science Association
Michigan Political Science Association
Pi Sigma Alpha
Office Hours
Thursday
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM