Joshua Jansa

Explores the diffusion of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies in college athletics, arguing that their rapid adoption is driven not just by economic competition among states but also by a desire to protect or enhance athletic reputations. Findings suggest that both internal athletic characteristics and interstate competition significantly influence NIL adoption.

Examines teacher strikes that occurred in 2018 and 2019. Argues that declining resources for teachers and students, along with restrictive collective bargaining laws, prompted statewide mobilizations. Finds that teachers were more likely to strike in states with low per-pupil spending and limited collective bargaining power, indicating that when institutional channels for voicing concerns were ineffective, teachers resorted to mass mobilization.

Examines how the representation of historically excluded groups—specifically women, racial/ethnic minorities, the LGB community, and the working class—in state legislatures affects policy innovation. Finds that women's representation significantly boosts legislative innovation, enabling the early adoption of new policies, while the impact of racial/ethnic minority representation is less consistent.

Investigates the impact of temporary shifts in course modality—due to pandemics, weather, or health accommodations—on student learning in an "Introduction to American Government" class. Finds that students respond positively when instructors make course materials engaging, communicate clearly, and effectively use technology. Suggests that instructors can successfully minimize learning disruptions if there are three or fewer modality shifts during a semester.

Examines how different course structures in an Introduction to American Government class affect students' learning about democracy. Finds that active and interactive teaching methods significantly enhance students' political efficacy and confidence, while face-to-face and online formats yield better outcomes than hybrid courses. Results provide guidance on structuring courses for effective civic education.

Investigates "policy plagiarism," where US state legislators copy legislation from other sources, examining its impact on policy effectiveness in organ donation, e-cigarette bans for minors, and anti-bullying laws. Findings indicate that higher levels of plagiarism correlate with reduced success in achieving policy goals, suggesting that copying text may undermine legislative outcomes.

Finds labor unions punish allies in Congress who vote for free trade agreements, but this tactic backfires by making members of Congress less likely to support labor in the future.

Finds state legislatures that have few staff resources are more likely to copy and paste bill text from other sources. Finds this is problematic for the ability of the legislature to customize policy language to address the problems in their state.

Finds states increased their economic development incentive (i.e. benefits in tax code for businesses) spending in response to the Great Recession, but most of the spending benefited Fortune 500 businesses. Finds states where businesses spent more on lobbying also tended to spend more on economic development.

Presents the basics of economic development policy in the American states, specifically that the policy process in the states is dominated by wealthy businesses and, as a result, spending is skewed toward the wealthiest companies in the world.