Welcoming Prof. Sivaram Cheruvu: A New Chapter in Political Science at MSU

East Lansing Welcomes New Political Science Professor: A Journey Full Circle

September 11, 2025 – Karessa Weir

East Lansing, MI – In a heartwarming return to familiar grounds, Sivaram Cheruvu has joined Michigan State University (MSU) as an assistant professor of Political Science. His journey began in this vibrant college town when he attended the Odyssey of the Mind world finals as a high school senior, and now, years later, he’s back to inspire the next generation of political thinkers.

“I feel like I came full circle after all these years,” Cheruvu reflected, standing on the campus that has shaped so many futures.

Originally from New Jersey, Cheruvu’s academic path has taken him through prestigious institutions, earning his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and History from Rutgers University, a Master’s from the London School of Economics, and a PhD from Emory University in Atlanta. Before arriving at MSU, he taught courses on comparative law and international law at the University of Texas at Dallas.

Cheruvu’s decision to accept a tenure-track position in Comparative & International Politics was driven by MSU’s strong emphasis on pre-law and politics. “I was super excited to come here because of the strong focus at MSU on pre-law and politics,” he said, eager to share his knowledge with students.

Beyond the classroom, Cheruvu is looking forward to experiencing Michigan’s changing seasons. “I’m excited to explore the landscapes of Michigan,” he expressed, hinting at a passion for outdoor adventures.

His fascination with international politics ignited during his participation in Model United Nations programs in middle school and high school. This early interest blossomed into a commitment to academia, as he organized Model UN conferences for high school students during his undergraduate years. “I hope I can inspire someone in my class to follow that path,” he said.

Cheruvu’s research delves into the intricate relationship between law and politics within the European Union. He is currently investigating how individual judges influence case outcomes, a challenging endeavor given that European courts do not attribute opinions to individual judges. “You have to find out ways to know who is writing what,” he explained.

Additionally, he is exploring the phenomenon of democratic backsliding in Europe and has applied for a National Science Foundation grant to study the Court of Justice’s role in shaping public opinion about government.

His accolades speak volumes about his expertise; Cheruvu has received numerous awards, including the 2022 Sage Award for the best article published in European Union Politics and the 2022 APSA European Politics and Society Section’s Ernst B. Haas Best Dissertation Award.

Cheruvu is also the founder of the Junior Law and Politics Research Community, a platform for junior scholars to present their work and connect with peers in the field.

When he’s not immersed in research or teaching, Cheruvu enjoys unwinding with Netflix documentaries and cheering for his favorite sports teams, including the Brooklyn Nets, Rutgers teams, and the New York Jets. “I am very excited about the MSU basketball season,” he added with a smile.

As Cheruvu embarks on this new chapter at MSU, both students and faculty alike are eager to see the impact he will undoubtedly make in the world of political science.