Perseverance is a Key to Success
Joining the department as a Visiting Assistant Professor, Christopher Olds, Ph.D. encourages an active learning atmosphere that highlights critical thinking and respect for diversity. Before coming to UCF, Dr. Olds received his B.A. in Political Science and history at UC San Diego, and earned his Ph.D. in Political Science at Texas A&M University. His substantive fields of teaching and research are American politics and public policy. Within those areas he concentrates on the characteristics of public remarks by the American president.
Influenced by interdisciplinary work, Dr. Olds’ research focuses on evaluating social science questions that span multiple fields of academic literature. Dr. Olds is currently working on a book about American presidential rhetoric shaping views about the health of the global economy. This book explores the causes and consequences of change in presidential rhetoric on the international economy. He is also working on a textbook on political science research design, as well as a project on the implications of the Donald Trump presidential campaign on contemporary American politics.
In terms of teaching, Dr. Olds is dedicated to developing opportunities for students to cultivate life skills that can be applied in and outside the classroom. Participating in the Ronald E. McNair Undergraduate Research Program at UCSD is what encouraged him to teach. The goal of the program is to increase the number of underrepresented students participating in research projects under the direct mentoring of faculty members. Advocating for the Mexican American and Latino community as well as first-generation students, Dr. Olds’ goal is to be a role model for his community and provide great opportunities.
When asked what three words best characterize him, Dr. Olds responded with: creativity, persistence, and passion. Dr. Olds’ creativity and persistence led him to a career in academia. We are happy to welcome him here at UCF. Dr. Olds encourages any future students that it is okay to make mistakes because it can be a valuable learning and growing experience.