The Graduate Association in Political Science (GAPS) is a registered OU graduate student organization in which membership is reserved to those currently enrolled in the MA or PhD in political science degree program at the University of Oklahoma. The purpose of GAPS is to engage in such activities that improve socialization and professional training within the department. Examples of these activities include hosting social events, organizing Lunch-N-Learns, hosting graduate student orientation, and other professional socialization opportunities. Dr. Allyson Shortle, director of graduate studies, is the faculty advisor for GAPS.
President
Austin Nettrouer is a second-year PhD student with subfields of Public Administration, Public Policy, and American Politics. His research focuses include higher education policy and administration. Austin is from South Whitley, Indiana and holds a BA in Political Science and MPA from Indiana State University. In his free time, Austin enjoys attending trivia nights, playing on his Nintendo Switch, and exploring new music genres.
Email: adn@ou.edu
Vice President
Renata Emini is a second-year PhD student from Arlington, Texas. She is a first-generation OU graduate with a BA in Political Science and an MPA. As an academic, she is interested in education policy, management, and public law. Outside of school, Renata enjoys reading, cooking, and watching a good reality show.
Email: Renata.Emini-1@ou.edu
GAPS is responsible for sending two senators representing political science to the Graduate Student Senate for a one-year term. Senators are elected by the GAPS membership.
GSS Senator
Alexis Jones is a first-year PhD student studying Political Science with the subfields of American Government, Methodology, and Comparative Politics. Her research focuses on the nexus of nationalism, labor, and class. She was born here in Norman, but grew up in Texas, receiving a BA in Political Science from Texas State University. When she isn’t busy with research or coursework, she likes to grow plants, play video games, and adore her cat, Zelda.
Email: alexisjones@ou.edu
GSS Senator
Sophia Wehle is a first-year PhD student with subfields in Comparative Politics, Public Policy, and Political Methodology. Her research interests center around diverging development between states. Sophia is from Tampa, Florida and graduated in 2025 with a BA in International Studies from Nova Southeastern University. In her free time, Sophia enjoys hiking, video games, and comic books.
Email: Sophia.C.Wehle-1@ou.edu
