Michele Swers is an Associate Professor of American Government in the Department of Government. She earned her Ph.D. from Harvard University.

Dr. Swers' research and teaching interests encompass Congress, Congressional elections, and Women and Politics. Her book, The Difference Women Make: The Policy Impact of Women in Congress (University of Chicago Press 2002) explores the extent to which electing women results in greater congressional attention to issues related to women, children, and families. She has written numerous articles and book chapters on women in Congress and women in elections as candidates and voters. She co-authors the textbook, Women and Politics: Paths to Power and Political Influence (Prentice Hall 2007)with Julie Dolan and Melissa Deckman.

Dr. Swers has provided expertise on Congressional policymaking and elections and the role of women in politics to media outlets including The News Hour with Jim Lehrer, CQ Weekly, and numerous national and state newspapers.

She is currently writing a book entitled, Making Policy in the New Senate Club: Gender and Representation in the U.S. Senate (under contract with the University of Chicago Press). The book explores the impact of gender on senators' policy activities in the areas of women's issues, national security, and judicial nominations.