My name is Alex Smith and I am an Assistant Professor of Instruction in the Political Science Department. As a first generation student, I didn't know how to navigate college when I began my undergraduate studies and didn't know what kind of career I was interested in pursuing. Despite having no political connections, I decided to try Political Science due to my interest in learning about American government. For a while I felt out of place, but I had several professors and other staff mentors who invested time in helping me develop my potential and pursue my goal of working for a member of Congress. After graduating, I worked for five years combined with a member of Congress and at the Minnesota House of Representatives before going back to graduate school to get a PhD in American Political Institutions. Since finishing my doctorate, I've completed a Fellowship in Congressional Policymaking at the Library of Congress and returned to my hometown of Iowa City as faculty at the University of Iowa. My experience as an undergraduate student gave me aspirations of passing along the type of mentoring and encouragement I received. I enjoy helping students realize that they are capable of more than they realize and can accomplish their goals. I love to meet with students, answer questions, tell stories about my experiences working in politics, and talk about barbecue, baseball, and Iowa athletics.