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Curriculum Vitae

Phone: (606) 257-1771

EDUCATION

University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky

Ph.D. candidate, Political Science (ABD)
Major Field: Policy Studies
Minor Field: Transnational Relations

 

Environmental Systems Certificate, August 1998
M.A., Political Science, August 1998

Vermont Law School
Environmental Law Center
South Royalton, Vermont

Sidney Ulmer Fellowship, Summer 1997

University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan

ICPSR Fellowship, Summer 1995

Vanderbilt University
Nashville, Tennessee

B.A., Political Science, May 1991
Honors in the College of Arts and Sciences

PUBLICATIONS

Gunter, Michael M. Jr. "Bridging the Domestic-International Divide: The Interdependent Nature of Biodiversity Protection," Michigan Journal of Political Science, forthcoming Spring 1999.

Gunter, Michael M. Jr. "Environmental Politics. Rev. of Environmental Politics: Domestic and Global Dimensions, by Jacqueline Switzer with Gary Bryner." Politics and the Life Sciences, forthcoming March 1999.

Gunter, Michael M. Jr. "Environmental Politics. Rev. of The Forgiving Air, by Richard Somerville." Politics and the Life Sciences, forthcoming Aug. 1999.

TEACHING/RESEARCH FIELDS OF INTEREST

International Environmental Politics

Public Policy

Environmental Management

Interest Groups

Biodiversity Protection

Ecology

Environmental Justice

American Government

International Organization

World Politics

International Law

International Security

Non-governmental Organizations

Globalization

American Foreign Policy

 

DISSERTATION

Building the Next Ark: NGO Strategies in Protecting International Biodiversity

Dr. Karen Mingst (chair)

Abstract: One of the most imposing decisions policymakers face in the 21st century is how to preserve the diversity of species which exists on earth. This is widely recognized as problematic for both ecological and political reasons, but, most importantly, policymakers must come to terms with the extent to which these two key dimensions are intertwined. Political obstacles stem directly from ecological ones – and vice versa. As such, the complex and interdependent nature of biodiversity protection demands consideration of the linkages between politics and ecology as well as each dimension in its own right. A burgeoning literature suggests non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are the most appropriate medium for this linkage task. This analysis builds upon such scholarship, specifically examining the strategies and tactics NGOs employ in their attempts to influence United States’ policy on international biodiversity protection. As such, my central research question asks what NGO strategies are most effective in protecting international biodiversity and why. Using specific NGO strategies as my unit of analysis, I examine six to eight environmental NGOs with an emphasis on biodiversity protection. Three main clusters of strategic emphasis are analyzed (mainstream strategies which apply existing system procedures, mainstream strategies which seek to change the system and participatory strategies combined with mainstream approaches). I also examine organizational characteristics that act as the intervening variables of flexibility, decision-making style, imagination, legitimacy and resiliency. Effectiveness is hypothesized to be dependent upon strategic emphasis, particularly when combined with the participatory strategies of grassroots networking and education initiatives, as well as organizational characteristics.

HONORS

Martin School Target of Opportunity Research Specialist, 1998-present

University of Kentucky Teaching Assistantship, 1995-present

Master Teaching Assistant University of Kentucky Teaching and Learning Center, Fall 1997

Political Science Graduate Student Association President, 1997-1998

Graduate School Conference Travel Stipends, 1996, 1998

Vanderbilt University Arts and Sciences Scholarship, 1987-1991

Vanderbilt University Phi Beta Kappa Writing Award, 1987

Media Panelist Tennessee Sixth U.S. Congressional District debate, 1992

Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honorary, 1991

Eagle Scout, 1983

ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE

Instructor, Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, Kentucky, Jan. 1999 to present

# International Law and Organization (POL 327): Spring 1999

Instructor for upper-division seminar on international law and organization with emphasis on environmental, human rights and security issues.

Instructor, Transylvania University, Lexington, Kentucky, Sept. 1998 to present

# Special Topics in Political Science: Environmental Public Policy (PS 2294): May 1999

Instructor for upper-division seminar on environmental public policy.

# Introduction to Politics (PS 1004): Fall 1998

Instructor for introductory political science course focusing upon theoretical approaches and comparative political analysis.

Instructor/TA, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, Aug.1995 to May 1998

# Contemporary International Problems - Globalization and Regionalism (PS 439G): Spring 1998

Two week substitute for this upper-level course while instructor on temporary research leave. Enrollment included political science undergraduates and graduate students from other departments. Course emphasized problems globalization creates within international political economy. Specific classes taught focused upon connections and contradictions between globalization and democratization in the Third World.

# Introduction to World Politics (PS 235): Spring 1998, Fall 1997, Spring 1996

Primary instructor responsible for course totaling 60 students. Broad responsibilities here focused upon design of entire course, including topics addressed, student requirements and textbook selection. Duties also included lecturing, grading, advising and administration.

# American Government (PS 101): Spring 1997, Fall 1996

Teaching Assistant responsible for weekly lectures as well as direction of discussion in three different sections of 25 students each. Duties also included lecturing to the combined class of approximately 180 students, grading and other administrative needs.

# Orientation to Political Science (PS 202): Fall 1995

Teaching Assistant for two sections with 40 students apiece. Duties for this course, required by all political science majors, included lecturing periodically throughout the semester, leading discussion and primary grading responsibility.

Additional Teaching Experience

# Participant, Graduate School Seminar on College Teaching, Fall 1998

Active participant in course on pedagogical strategies with a concentration on current research and practice. Major topics addressed included learning theories, effective lecturing, diversity, innovative discussion exercises, instructional technologies, classroom assessment, collaborative learning and experiential education.

# Participant, Preparing Future Faculty Symposium, University of Kentucky, Summer 1998

Active participant in university-wide seminars addressing innovative teaching. Topics included improving class discussion, enhancing lecture techniques and strategies for combining content and critical skills approaches in the classroom.

# Lecturer, Mass Communication and Society (CJT 608), University of Kentucky, Fall 1997

Guest lecturer for graduate course in communications department. Outlined memetic theory as to how ideas spread through a society and suggested potential applications in public policy.

# Participant, Political Science Teaching Effectiveness Seminar, University of Kentucky, Fall 1995

Active participant and discussant in Department’s semester-long seminar on teaching strategies. Themes addressed included: methods for motivating students, class discussion tactics, grading, the multiple roles of a teacher, differing pedagogical philosophies and techniques for improving specific teaching skills.

Research

# SCOPe Project Assistant, Professor Ed Jennings, Summer 1998 to Spring 1999

Coordinated pilot outreach program directed at small Kentucky communities traditionally left out of the environmental regulatory process, specifically regarding proposed federal incineration regulations and ground water quality regulations. Program broadened participation of counties and cities with population under 50,000 by providing educational services and additional avenues for making public comment. Grant funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency with oversight through the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration and the Martin School of Public Administration at the University of Kentucky. Project duties included implementation of a variety of alternative communications networks including development and maintenance of a web page and listserv as well as the more traditional outreach method of sponsoring regional public meetings. EPA hopes to offer this program as a model for future initiatives in its agency and other federal agencies in general.

# Project Assistant, Professor Ed Jennings, Spring 1999

Developed survey on adult education aspirations, self-esteem, computer anxiety and self-determination for Cumberland County (Kentucky) Adult Education Project. Organized around computer-based instruction, the project is a pilot program seeking to enhance the literacy skills of adults in the region.

# Research Assistant, Professor Karen Mingst, Summer 1998

Editorial and administrative assistant to Dr. Mingst regarding research and courses on international organization and international law.

# Research Assistant, Associate Professor Ellen Riggle, Summer 1998

Editorial and administrative assistant to Dr. Riggle regarding research and courses on public opinion.

# Research Assistant, Assistant Professor Jennifer Segal, Summer 1997

Catalogued all cases out of ninth circuit that were heard by the Supreme Court during the 1996-1997 term. An unusually large number of the high court’s docket was drawn from the ninth circuit, with virtually all of these being reversed and remanded. Also assisted in administrative tasks for Dr. Segal’s courses on civil liberties and constitutional law.

Conference Participation

# "Searching for Common Ground: NGO Strategies in International Biodiversity Protection"

Association for Politics and the Life Sciences
Boston, Massachusetts, Sept. 1998

# "Reconciling International Biodiversity Protection and State Sovereignty:

An Examination of the Convention on Biological Diversity"

International Studies Association
Minneapolis, Minnesota, March 1998

# "Bridging the Domestic-International Divide:

The Interdependent Nature of Biodiversity Protection"

Kentucky Political Science Association
Louisville, Kentucky, March 1998

# "Biodiversity and the Element of Choice: A Review of Noah's Choice"

International Studies Association-West
Eugene, Oregon, Oct. 1996

Professional Affiliation

# American Political Science Association

-- Domestic Sources of Foreign Policy

-- Public Policy; Science, Technology and Environmental Politics

-- Undergraduate Education

# Association for Politics and the Life Sciences

# International Studies Association

-- Environmental Studies

-- Foreign Policy

-- International Organization

# Policy Studies Organization

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE

LEXINGTON HERALD-LEADER, Lexington, Kentucky

News Assistant (part-time @ 20 hours/week), Aug. 1994 to July 1997

Co-wrote articles for state and local section as well as sports section of daily newspaper distributed throughout state to over 135,000 people. Edited international, national and local sections. Collected and compiled special events material for periodic projects. Assisted reporters in research under strict deadline format. Trained other news assistants. Directed public relations during evening shift.

U.S. NEWSWIRE, Washington, D.C.

Editor, July 1993 to Aug. 1994

Edited government agency and political action group press releases. Prepared statements for national and regional media distribution. Daily contact with White House staff members regarding editing of policy reports, speeches and scheduling announcements. Supervised network evening news report titled TV Track, a summary of major news stories each day. Assisted in public relations and client base development. Trained other employees in editing procedures.

CONGRESSMAN BART GORDON (D-TN), Washington, D.C.

Legislative Correspondent, Feb. 1993 to July 1993

Briefed Congressman on status of various issues on the floor. Researched and explored potential of proposed legislation. Supervised summer intern staff. Wrote letters on behalf of Congressman in response to constituent concerns ranging from wetlands conservation to military service. Prepared Congressional Record statements.

THE HERALD-CITIZEN, Cookeville, Tennessee

Reporter, July 1992 to Feb. 1993

Beat reporter for political issues and events throughout Middle Tennessee. Daily feature reporter for paper with distribution of 12,000. Wrote weekly column answering questions solicited from the community on issues ranging from political voting records and Medicare regulations to elementary school programs and city policing methods. Responsible for editing and layout. Also substituted for photographer during illness and assisted in darkroom. Selected to represent newspaper as panelist in 1992 U.S. Congressional debate for sixth district seat.

MANIER, HEROD, HOLLABAUGH & SMITH, Nashville, Tennessee

Legal Assistant, Aug. 1991 to July 1992

Explored legal potential for proposed inventions by conducting research on existing patents. Assisted attorneys in meeting court dates as well as filing documents with federal and state courts. Advised partners weekly as to docket status. Assisted in depositions and served subpoenas. Directed client public relations.

OTHER INTERESTS

Basketball, tennis, swimming, the outdoors and general reading

REFERENCES

Available upon request.

 


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