Samuel C. Rhodes is an assistant professor of political science. He teaches courses on U.S. government and politics. He studies how algorithmic filter bubbles and echo chambers spread viral misinformation online. Rhodes also examines the effects of unlimited and undisclosed donations (ie., “dark money”) in American elections. His scholarly work has been published in Political Communication and Election Law Journal.
Where did you grow up? And did that place influence you in any way?
I was raised in Bucks County, Pennsylvania—a region similar to the Lehigh Valley in its political diversity, where both Democrats and Republicans have a strong presence, making it a truly “purple” area. Growing up in an environment like this played a pivotal role in developing my civic and partisan identity. Elections in Bucks County are frequently won by razor-thin margins, which lent a unique sense of weight and excitement to my early experiences volunteering on campaigns.
This setting also fostered a genuine love for engaging with people about their beliefs and attitudes. People and their lives are complex and interesting, and I believe that these small, individual exchanges ultimately aggregate into a democracy that better reflects and represents the people who live here. To me, democracy is built from the ground up through these everyday interactions, each one adding to a more nuanced and representative whole.
(photo by Nick Chismar)
What are your research interests, and why are you drawn to them?
I study political communication and political misinformation. In many ways, we are blessed to be the most educated and connected cohort of human beings to have ever existed; we walk around with the largest digital library ever assembled in our pockets. However, the challenge of this moment is that we are also awash in conspiracy theories and fake news, which can complicate our understanding of truth in a free society.
This reality creates both power and responsibility for us as citizens. The power lies in our unprecedented access to information, but the responsibility is to critically educate ourselves and make informed decisions, particularly when voting. I am drawn to this area of research because I believe understanding how political communication and misinformation shape public opinion and behavior is essential for fostering a more informed and resilient democracy.
(photo by Nick Chismar)
Why did you choose to become a professor?
As a young exchange student in South Korea, I developed a deep appreciation for cultural exchange and learning, and my time there left a lasting impression on me. After completing my undergraduate degree in political science, I found a way to return by teaching English through a program administered by my Korean alma mater. This experience was incredibly formative and ignited my passion for teaching.
Becoming a professor allows me to merge my interests in politics and education. I was also fortunate to have had inspiring professors in both my undergraduate and graduate studies, who helped me envision a career dedicated to generating and sharing knowledge with others. Teaching, to me, is both a calling and a privilege, and it offers the perfect balance of engaging with critical issues and supporting students’ intellectual growth.
Are there any specific moments from your experience with students that stand out in your mind as special?
One of my most memorable experiences with students was an experiment where I used Minecraft to teach collective action theory in my Political Parties class. I had never used a computer game as a teaching tool before, so it was a leap for both me and my students. I was genuinely encouraged by the results—students pleasantly surprised me with their out-of-the-box strategic thinking, using approaches I’d consider unorthodox but highly effective. It was a joy to watch them engage with scholarly material through such an unconventional medium, and seeing their creativity and adaptability at work was incredibly rewarding.
What one well-known person (living or not) would you like to have dinner with and why?
If I could have dinner with any well-known figure, it would be Hunter S. Thompson. One of my favorite books is Fear and Loathing: On the Campaign Trail ’72. Through humor, wit, and deliberate exaggeration, Thompson provided a critical and often irreverent perspective on American political journalism—a perspective I believe still resonates today. His ability to dissect political theater while capturing the chaotic energy of the era is both inspiring and relevant to how we view political narratives now.
What do you like to do with your free time?
I enjoy learning about vegan cuisine. I am particularly fond of Korean and Russian cooking that utilizes a lot of fermented vegetables.
Name someone who inspires you and tell us why?
My advisors from both undergraduate and graduate school have been a profound source of inspiration. They taught me how to be both a compassionate and critical scholar, showing me the importance of balancing empathy with rigorous inquiry. They also instilled in me a sincere joy for generating knowledge and contributing to our understanding of the social world. Their guidance has shaped not only my approach to research but also my commitment to mentoring and educating others.