New Political Science Faculty Member Examines Politics of Risk

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Geoboo Song. Photo by Lucky McMahon

Geoboo Song has been named as an assistant professor in the department of political science of the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, and will begin teaching classes this fall.  Song is a native of South Korea, and has conducted research and taught courses on risk and public policy as well as quantitative methods.

“We are happy to have Dr. Song join our department,” said Margaret Reid, professor and chair of the department. “His expertise on risk perceptions focuses on vaccinations, nuclear waste and climate change. He brings a unique interdisciplinary dimension to our programs that can lead to fascinating scholarship. In addition to adding to our public administration and public policy areas, his considerable training in research methodology will help us to better prepare our students.”

Song has been intrigued by the the different ways individual members of society interpret and perceive benefits and risks, and the related impact on society in general and certain individuals and groups in particular. He has also researched the ontological and epistemological nature of the inherent risks posed by the implementation of science and technology – particularly those related to scientific and sociopolitical controversies caused by high levels of embedded uncertainty and complexity.

“I’m thrilled about starting my first appointment as an assistant professor here and being a part of this academic community that holds amazing traditions,” said Song. “I’ve enjoyed my academic career as a student, but I’m ready to start full-time teaching and research at this fabulous institution.”

Song has authored or co-authored several conference papers and journal articles and was a nominee for a Westview Press Award for best paper delivered by a graduate student at the 70^th annual meeting of the Midwest Political Science Association (2012). He also co-authored a report on nuclear waste management for the U.S. Department of Energy and co-conducted a national survey on public perceptions of vaccine risks for the Center for Risk and Crisis Management at the University of Oklahoma, which contributed to the PBS Frontline episode entitled The Vaccine War, originally aired on April 27, 2010.

While working on graduate degrees, Song received a total of $14,270 in travel grants and scholarships in addition to graduate fellowships from University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of Oklahoma.

Song is a member of the American Political Science Association, the Midwest Political Science Association, and the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.

Song holds a bachelor of arts in public administration from Hanyang University in South Korea (1994) and a master of arts in public administration from Korea University (1999). He earned a master of international public affairs from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2003) and a doctorate in political science from the University of Oklahoma (2012).