The CPP Staff

Daniel M. Shea, Director

Professor of Political Science Daniel M. Shea received his doctorate from the State University of New York at Albany in 1993. He taught for several years at the University of Akron and Lafayette College, before coming to Allegheny in the fall of 1999. Shea teaches an array of courses in American government and has written extensively on the legislative process, campaigns and elections, political parties, electoral participation, and the politics of the media. He lives in Meadville, Pa. with his wife, Christine, and three young children.

Barb Steadman, Associate Director

Barb Steadman wears two hats at Allegheny College. Besides serving as associate director for the CPP, she is director of Allegheny's Office of Public Affairs. In both capacities, Steadman works to increase visibility and effectiveness of campus programs through communication with news organizations, government officials, and local and campus communities. A member of the Society of Environmental Journalists and the Public Relations Society of America, Steadman is especially interested in understanding the dynamic relationships that connect journalism, decision-making and motivation.

Mary Solberg, Program Coordinator

As program coordinator of the CPP, Mary Solberg is responsible for planning, organizing and developing myriad programs for the CPP, including conferences and workshops. She also oversees the CPP's newsletter and its popular Model Campaign USA program that teaches the art of campaigning to high school students. Having earned a journalism degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, she has worked for many years as a daily newspaper reporter, columnist, copy editor and managing editor at various publications. Of the CPP, she says, "To me, the college setting is prime territory to nurture a sense of political activism, social justice and inquiry that is so crucial in our world today." Mary lives in Edinboro, Pa., with her husband and their three sons.

Melissa Comber, Research Fellow

Visiting Assistant Professor of Political Science Melissa K. Comber received her doctorate from the University of Maryland's School of Public Policy in 2005. Comber teaches social policy and government courses. Her research interests include civic education, civic skills, and political participation. Comber was previously affiliated with the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE), where she has published three fact sheets. She also published an opinion piece in the Georgetown Public Policy Review calling for more extensive civic education in high schools.

The Student Fellow Program

The Center for Political Participation relies heavily on student involvement. Several work-study students are hired each semester and, more significantly, a Student Fellowship Program has been established. Here, top students are selected to help run the Center--from organizing various events and implementing programs, to creating innovative strategies for promoting politics and the democratic process.