Scientist. Author. Host of PBS Serving Up Science. Sustainability, Politics & Science Communication at Michigan State.
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Articles by Sheril Kirshenbaum
America’s shifting baselines are a threat to democracy and governance Original
Opinion>Congress Blog The views expressed by contributors are their own and not the view of The Hill by Sheril Kirshenbaum, opinion contributor - 03/29/26 11:00 AM ET by Sheril Kirshenbaum, opinion contributor - 03/29/26 11:00 AM ET Share LinkedIn Email Getty Images When I mentioned to a young congressional staffer that the process for passing the Big Beautiful Bill would have been unthinkable in 2006, she looked genuinely confused. “This is how policy gets done,” she said.
Can We Rebuild Trust in Congress?
After conducting dozens of interviews with senior staff in Congress from both parties, I recognized that I wasn’t simply studying polarization, but a series of deliberate, specific changes that transformed disagreement between colleagues into battles of good versus evil.
Opinion - How congressional dysfunction paved the road to political violence
In 2022, a senior Democratic House staffer I was interviewing paused mid-conversation, her voice heavy with concern. “We are seeing each other based on political affiliation as enemies,” she told me. “And that’s really scary when you can’t just disagree but actually see your political opponent as an enemy who is detrimental to the country, because the only answer to that is to eliminate them.” Her words proved tragically prophetic with the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
How congressional dysfunction paved the road to political violence
In 2022, a senior Democratic House staffer I was interviewing paused mid-conversation, her voice heavy with concern. “We are seeing each other based on political affiliation as enemies,” she told me. “And that’s really scary when you can’t just disagree but actually see your political opponent as an enemy who is detrimental to the country, because the only answer to that is to eliminate them.” Her words proved tragically prophetic with the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
Opinion - How congressional dysfunction paved the road to political violence
In 2022, a senior Democratic House staffer I was interviewing paused mid-conversation, her voice heavy with concern. “We are seeing each other based on political affiliation as enemies,” she told me. “And that’s really scary when you can’t just disagree but actually see your political opponent as an enemy who is detrimental to the country, because the only answer to that is to eliminate them.” Her words proved tragically prophetic with the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
Shutdown Before the Fall?
And so it begins. At 12:01 this morning, the federal government shut down. Again. It’s the 21st disruption of federal funding since 1976. Much will be written about the cause of this specific crisis, but as a scientist, I’m most interested in the decades of shifting norms leading us to institutional paralysis. How and why have we normalized the inability to compromise and govern?
The End of American Dominance
What if we’d told Pentagon researchers in the 1970s that their satellite navigation system was too expensive and impractical for anything beyond military use? We would have lost the foundation for a $4 trillion location-based economy - from ride-sharing to precision agriculture to emergency services - all built on GPS technology that may have appeared “pointless” to some people at the time.
What Scientists Get Wrong About Congress
When I began as a scientist-turned-Senate staffer 20 years ago, I momentarily thought the “R&D” my new colleagues mentioned had to do with research and development. Minutes later, I realized they meant Republicans and Democrats, but that moment told me everything I needed to know: I was in a new world, with new rules. Since then, I’ve spent two decades moving between academia and the Hill—under both Republican and Democratic majorities—with one goal: helping science inform policy.
Back to the Beginning
The last time I lived in Washington, DC, I worked in the Senate during the George W. Bush administration. The year was 2006 and social media platforms like Twitter (X), YouTube, Instagram and others didn’t factor into the national conversation yet. The Tea Party wouldn’t form for 3 more years. And just next door to my office in the Hart Building, a bright young senator named Barack Obama was drawing a lot of attention - and speculation - related to the upcoming 2008 presidential election.
The "Terrible" 10% Get the Most Airtime
A 2023 survey by the Pew Research Center found that 65% of Americans “always or often feel exhausted when thinking about politics.” Sixty-three percent say they have low or no confidence in the future of the U.S. political system. And 86% believe “Republicans and Democrats are more focused on fighting each other than on solving problems.” But are the people within the U.S. government really that bad?
"Follow the Science?"
Congressional staffers are smart. The job requires them to juggle the mountain of responsibilities that their office requires while staying organized and responding to events immediately. In that environment, you either keep up or you won’t last long on Capitol Hill. When I was there, I worked alongside some of the brightest colleagues I’ve ever had. And consider, much of my career has been based in academia.
Let's Begin.
“The thing that frustrates me is the extremes run the parties now. You have to run so far to the right and so far to the left, and, you know, I was always a centrist. So I don't have a party. People in the middle are like on an island. We were deserted.” - Senior congressional staffer It’s been a while. An entire season has passed since my last post.
There and Back Again
While this substack has been quiet lately, I sure have a lot to say. After living overseas on sabbatical in Australia - writing, reading, interviewing, and analyzing data - I’ve just arrived back in the U.S. The past 9 months have been a whirlwind, but in the time I was away, I completed two manuscripts, with another coming. And that’s only the beginning.
There's More to Every Story
We like simple narratives. Clear heroes. Little grey area. We tend to label politicians as good or bad actors, which varies based on what media sources we pay the most attention to. But life - and policy - are a lot less neat and orderly. And the real stories happen behind the scenes through endless conversations and negotiations that involve the people we don’t often think about. Many of us barely notice them in the policy process, let alone understand what they do.
“Ron DeSanctimonious” and The Psychology of Name-Calling on the Campaign Trail
Last month, it was widely reported that former President Donald Trump was “workshopping” nicknames for Governor Ron DeSantis, an anticipated opponent in the 2024 Republican presidential primary.
Morning On The Hill
You’ re a 25 year old legislative assistant in the U.S. Senate. You are responsible for drafting and tracking legislation and appropriations requests, meeting with constituents, formulating position statements, writing speeches, interpreting testimony and floor statements, and responding to lobbying groups. You also make recommendations for how your boss should vote. Your friends back home seem to be experiencing their mid-20s a bit differently, but no matter. You love your job.
We Need to Talk
Growing anti-intellectual sentiment has pushed individuals and organizations away from evidenced-based policies. So, how do we fix this? While there’s no single, easy solution, we do have a framework to build upon. Psychologist Joseph Arvai and his colleagues focused on improving outcomes in the energy realm, but their recommendations apply broadly in science-related decision making.
Science and the Candidates
In late 2007, a small group of concerned citizens co-founded the nonpartisan, non-profit organization Science Debate. The goal was simple: Science Debate asked presidential candidates running for office to answer science-related policy questions. The idea wasn’t to present them with a quiz about science facts, but rather to hear about their priorities related to issues like competitiveness, space exploration, and pandemic response. Why?
The Oil Men
Five towering men filed into our conference room on the seventh floor of the Hart Senate office building. “Hello little lady,” one lightheartedly greeted me, glancing back at the door as if waiting for someone to join us. “It’s so nice to meet you all,” I began, handing out my business cards. “Tell me what brings you here today.” The group shifted in their seats, suddenly restless, or perhaps mildly irritated.
Do Facts Matter?
In 2017, Kellyanne Conway introduced America to "alternative facts" during a Meet the Press interview in defense of Sean Spicer's false statement about attendance at President Trump's inauguration. People who had seen the crowds on live TV or social media were perplexed by the White House’s obviously different account of what took place.
"Representation"
My first posts at Unelected Representative have introduced readers to the hidden congressional staffers who act as gatekeepers of information on Capitol Hill. Although they’re usually behind the scenes, they have tremendous influence on politics and policy. I’ve also begun to share a bit about my research focused on where senior staff turn for information on science issues at a time when so many policymakers and ordinary citizens have become suspicious of expertise.
The Rise of Anti-Intellectualism
Populism coupled with increasing assaults on scientific integrity have dramatically shifted the political landscape during the last decade and contributed to geopolitical instability. The policy ramifications are yet to be understood, but anti-intellectualism has threatened public health, stymied environmental progress, influenced funding priorities and sculpted the rhetoric of many candidates in local, state and national politics.
A Dissertation on Democracy
I began my career as a marine biologist, but a congressional fellowship in 2006 opened my eyes to the need for more people with scientific expertise to engage in the policy process. So I started writing about the relationships between science, politics and culture in books, magazines, newspapers and online where I hosted blogs at Discover, Scientific American and Wired.
Struggle and Privilege
U.S. Senators and House Representatives are over-scheduled and frequently overtired, juggling incessant travel with unrelenting obligations. We publicly credit them for policy wins, yet rarely acknowledge, or even think about, the real gatekeepers of information - legislative staffers - who make recommendations about how they should vote. Experiences and perspectives of congressional staff can be quite different from the people that voters have chosen for public office.
The Fiction of American Democracy
Historian Richard Brown aptly described public disillusionment in the American political system that has emerged from an agreed-upon “fiction of democracy.” Since elected leaders cannot possibly know everything related to the wide range of complex issues they must address, we collectively pretend they are sufficiently informed with wildly unrealistic expectations about the breadth of their expertise. When a bill passes, popular media attributes victories to specific members of Congress.
The pandemic has made it even harder for one in three Americans to obtain healthy, affordable food
Free bagged lunches are ready for distribution at a public school in Fayette, Miss., on March 3, 2021. AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis The Conversation, CC BY-ND COVID-19 has made food access more challenging for many communities. In Michigan State University’s Fall 2021 Food Literacy and Engagement Poll, 31% of the people we talked to said the pandemic had affected their household’s ability to obtain food.
Commentary: The pandemic makes it harder for 1 in 3 Americans to get healthy, affordable food
COVID-19 has made food access more challenging for many communities. In Michigan State University’s Fall 2021 Food Literacy and Engagement Poll, 31% of the people we talked to said the pandemic had affected their household’s ability to obtain food. This included 28% of households earning less than $25,000, and 38% of those earning more than $75,000 annually. We surveyed 2,002 representative Americans between Aug. 27 and Sept.
The pandemic has made it even harder for one in three Americans to obtain healthy, affordable food
The Conversation, CC BY-ND COVID-19 has made food access more challenging for many communities. In Michigan State University’s Fall 2021 Food Literacy and Engagement Poll, 31% of the people we talked to said the pandemic had affected their household’s ability to obtain food. This included 28% of households earning less than $25,000, and 38% of those earning more than $75,000 annually. We surveyed 2,002 representative Americans between Aug. 27 and Sept.
Time for Another Giant Leap For Mankind
In May of 1961, President John F. Kennedy announced a bold priority for the United States. He memorably urged the nation to send a man to the Moon by 1970: “No single space project in this period will be more impressive to mankind, or more important for the long-range exploration of space; and none will be so difficult or expensive to accomplish.” Kennedy and his administration recognized that the United States risked losing the space race to the Soviets during the Cold War.
Episode 121 - Biology
This episode we’re talking about Biology Non-Fiction! We discuss epidemiology, genetics, microbes, kissing, sex, and more! Plus: using physical bookmarks when reading ebooks! You can download the podcast directly, find it on Libsyn, or get it through Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast delivery system.
Windy City Kiss
The Science of Kissing Gallery is now live thanks to our talented colleagues at Discover! This week's kiss comes from reader Chad Gardner and I can't help but smile at such a happy couple! Submit your original photo or artwork to the gallery here and remember to include relevant links to blogs and events.
Dating over Zoom? Don’t be surprised if those online sparks fizzle in person
For those dipping their toes into the dating pool during stay-at-home orders, it’s been like swimming in a version of Netflix’s reality series “Love is Blind.” In the show, contestants must get engaged before ever actually meeting one another in person. And while a lockdown engagement might be a bit extreme, it’s entirely possible that two people have grown to really like one another over the previous weeks and months. Maybe it started with a match on a dating app, followed by flirting over text.
Dating on Zoom? That chemistry might fade in real life
For those dipping their toes into the dating pool during stay-at-home orders, it's been like swimming in a version of Netflix's reality series “Love is Blind." In the show, contestants must get engaged before ever actually meeting one another in person. And while a lockdown engagement might be a bit extreme, it's entirely possible that two people have grown to really like one another over the previous weeks and months. Maybe it started with a match on a dating app, followed by flirting over text.
Commentary: Why sparks could fizzle after meeting your Zoom date in person
EAST LANSING, Michigan: For those dipping their toes into the dating pool during stay-at-home orders, it’s been like swimming in a version of Netflix’s reality series Love is Blind. In the show, contestants must get engaged before ever actually meeting one another in person. Advertisement Advertisement And while a lockdown engagement might be a bit extreme, it’s entirely possible that two people have grown to really like one another over the previous weeks and months.
Dating over Zoom? Don’t be surprised if those online sparks fizzle in person
By Sheril Kirshenbaum 15m ago For those dipping their toes into the dating pool during lockdown, it’s been like swimming in a version of Netflix’s reality series “Love is Blind.” In the show, contestants must get engaged before ever actually meeting one another in person. And while a lockdown engagement might be a bit extreme, it’s entirely possible that two people have grown to really like one another over the previous weeks and months.
Can online connections, Zoom dating during coronavirus crisis translate into a post-lockdown relationship?
Living The Conversation Jun 08, 2020 12:37:28 IST By Sheril Kirshenbaum For those dipping their toes into the dating pool during stay-at-home orders, it’s been like swimming in a version of Netflix’s reality series Love is Blind. In the show, contestants must get engaged before ever actually meeting one another in person. And while a lockdown engagement might be a bit extreme, it’s entirely possible that two people have grown to really like one another over the previous weeks and months.
Dating over Zoom? Don’t be surprised if those online sparks fizzle in person
Human attraction involves the influence of cues such as smell, touch and intimacy. Factors that typically grab our attention in a person are less obvious to recognise in a witty profile or photo. A real-world date will kindle the spark made online for some and many others will realise they’re better as friends.
Dating over Zoom? Recognize there's one outcome you should consider
For those dipping their toes into the dating pool during stay-at-home orders, it’s been like swimming in a version of Netflix’s reality series “Love is Blind.” In the show, contestants must get engaged before ever actually meeting one another in person. And while a lockdown engagement might be a bit extreme, it’s entirely possible that two people have grown to really like one another over the previous weeks and months. Maybe it started with a match on a dating app, followed by flirting over text.
Dating over Zoom? Don't be surprised if those online sparks fizzle in person
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Sheril Kirshenbaum, Michigan State University (THE CONVERSATION) For those dipping their toes into the dating pool during stay-at-home orders, it’s been like swimming in a version of Netflix’s reality series “Love is Blind.” In the show, contestants must get engaged before ever actually meeting one another in person.
Dating over Zoom? Don't be surprised if those online sparks fizzle in person
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Sheril Kirshenbaum, Michigan State University (THE CONVERSATION) For those dipping their toes into the dating pool during stay-at-home orders, it’s been like swimming in a version of Netflix’s reality series “Love is Blind.” In the show, contestants must get engaged before ever actually meeting one another in person.
Dating over Zoom? Don't be surprised if those online sparks fizzle in person
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Sheril Kirshenbaum, Michigan State University (THE CONVERSATION) For those dipping their toes into the dating pool during stay-at-home orders, it’s been like swimming in a version of Netflix’s reality series “Love is Blind.” In the show, contestants must get engaged before ever actually meeting one another in person.
If you're online dating during quarantine, this scientist says the spark may not last once you meet in person
Sheril Kirshenbaum is an associate research scientist at Michigan State University and author of "The Science of Kissing," a book that explores why and how humans kiss. As more people turn to online dating during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kirshenbaum says that most couples who meet up in person will probably not be a great match. Our senses of touch, taste, and especially smell play a huge role in who we fall for — things that are impossible to gauge through a online chat or phone call.
Dating over Zoom? Don't be surprised if those online sparks fizzle in person
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Sheril Kirshenbaum, Michigan State University (THE CONVERSATION) For those dipping their toes into the dating pool during stay-at-home orders, it’s been like swimming in a version of Netflix’s reality series “Love is Blind.” In the show, contestants must get engaged before ever actually meeting one another in person.
Dating over Zoom? Don't be surprised if those online sparks fizzle in person
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Sheril Kirshenbaum, Michigan State University (THE CONVERSATION) For those dipping their toes into the dating pool during stay-at-home orders, it’s been like swimming in a version of Netflix’s reality series “Love is Blind.” In the show, contestants must get engaged before ever actually meeting one another in person.
Dating over Zoom? Don’t be surprised if those online sparks fizzle in person
For those dipping their toes into the dating pool during stay-at-home orders, it’s been like swimming in a version of Netflix’s reality series “Love is Blind.” In the show, contestants must get engaged before ever actually meeting one another in person. And while a lockdown engagement might be a bit extreme, it’s entirely possible that two people have grown to really like one another over the previous weeks and months. Maybe it started with a match on a dating app, followed by flirting over text.
Dating over Zoom? Don't be surprised if those online sparks fizzle in person
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Sheril Kirshenbaum, Michigan State University (THE CONVERSATION) For those dipping their toes into the dating pool during stay-at-home orders, it’s been like swimming in a version of Netflix’s reality series “Love is Blind.” In the show, contestants must get engaged before ever actually meeting one another in person.
Dating over Zoom? Don't be surprised if those online sparks fizzle in person
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Sheril Kirshenbaum, Michigan State University (THE CONVERSATION) For those dipping their toes into the dating pool during stay-at-home orders, it’s been like swimming in a version of Netflix’s reality series “Love is Blind.” In the show, contestants must get engaged before ever actually meeting one another in person.
Dating over Zoom? Don't be surprised if those online sparks fizzle in person
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Sheril Kirshenbaum, Michigan State University (THE CONVERSATION) For those dipping their toes into the dating pool during stay-at-home orders, it’s been like swimming in a version of Netflix’s reality series “Love is Blind.” In the show, contestants must get engaged before ever actually meeting one another in person.
Dating over Zoom? Don't be surprised if those online sparks fizzle in person
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Sheril Kirshenbaum, Michigan State University (THE CONVERSATION) For those dipping their toes into the dating pool during stay-at-home orders, it’s been like swimming in a version of Netflix’s reality series “Love is Blind.” In the show, contestants must get engaged before ever actually meeting one another in person.
Dating over Zoom? Don't be surprised if those online sparks fizzle in person
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Sheril Kirshenbaum, Michigan State University (THE CONVERSATION) For those dipping their toes into the dating pool during stay-at-home orders, it’s been like swimming in a version of Netflix’s reality series “Love is Blind.” In the show, contestants must get engaged before ever actually meeting one another in person.
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