Mackenzie Taradalsky is a Ph.D. candidate (ABD) in American Government at Georgetown University, where she studies political institutions, representation, and public opinion. She is a researcher with the Gender, Race, and Ethnicity in Politics (GREP) Lab and a Graduate Teaching Assistant for undergraduate and master’s-level courses in statistical analysis in the Department of Government.

Her research examines how political institutions and evaluative frameworks shape the experiences and perceptions of politicians in the United States. She employs a mixed-methods approach, including survey experiments, elite interviews, archival research, and participant observation, to better understand how candidates navigate and are evaluated within contemporary political environments. Her work has been presented at conferences, including the National Conference of Black Political Scientists (NCOBPS) and the American Sociological Association (ASA) Annual Meeting, and has been published and is forthcoming in academic venues, including a book chapter with Oxford University Press.

In addition to her academic research, Mackenzie has experience producing policy-relevant analysis and briefing materials. She has contributed research used in legislative contexts, and her work is oriented toward bridging academic research and practical policy applications.

Mackenzie earned her undergraduate degrees from the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she graduated with high honors as a distinguished Ronald E. McNair Scholar. She holds bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Philosophy, with a concentration in Ethics and Public Policy, as well as a master’s degree in Government from Georgetown University. She was also named an APSA Diversity Fellowship Program Spring Fellow (2025-2026).

Outside of her academic work, Mackenzie enjoys boxing, being with her dog Juno, spending time outdoors, reading, and exploring new places.