Random Information about Paul

I am an associate professor (soon to be full, as of Fall 2007!) of political science at Reed College. I got my graduate degree in political science from the University of Michigan, and my undergraduate degree from the University of Chicago. I taught at Duke University for seven years before coming to Reed.

In brief, my academic specialities are American politics, more specifically, political behavior including public opinion, voting, and Congressional and Presidential elections. My current research projects include early voting, a comparison of Senate and House elections, volatility and consensus in Presidential approval, and citizen knowledge of legislator activities.

I have a beautiful wife, Karin Purdy, and five (!) wonderful children, Matthew Gronke, Benjamin Purdy, Katherine Purdy, Samuel Gronke, and Eliza Gronke. I also coexist with a maniac cat, Simon, and an up tempo dog, Hank.

In a past life, we lived happily in the undergraduate dormitory, Pegram, on Duke's East Campus. Now we live in Eastmoreland, a charming neighborhood just across the street from campus.

Apparently, there a facebook group dedicated to my ties, in case you are interested.

My life, besides work and kids, includes the PTA, community service, running with the Red Lizards, and following politics.

And the requisite out of date family photo: