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
Sophia Wehle is a second-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
Vice President
Jennifer Perez Sandoval is a second-year PhD student with subfields in American Politics, Public Administration, and Public Policy. Her research centers around the political behavior and public opinion of subgroups of the American public. She is from Yukon, Oklahoma, and obtained her Bachelor's in Political Science from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Outside of class, she can be found reading, playing with her two dogs, or painting.
Email: jenniferperezs@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 second-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
Kristina Young is a first-year PhD student with subfields in American Politics, Comparative Politics, and Political Methodology. Her research interests center around religion and politics. Kristina is from Wichita, Kansas and graduated in 2023 with a BA in Political Science from Wichita State University and a MA in Political Studies from Queen's University in 2025. In her free time, Kristina enjoys watching anime, sewing, and hanging out with her cats, Butters and Smudge.
Email: kristina.m.young-1@ou.edu
