Dr. Loleen Berdahl

Dr. Loleen Berdahl is Executive Director, Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy at the Universities of Regina and Saskatchewan, and Professor of Political Studies at the University of Saskatchewan. After completing her PhD at the University of Calgary, she worked for ten years in the non-profit sector, returning to academia in 2008. Her research examines how institutional, cultural, and political factors shape individual attitudes and collaborative decision-making practices, with a focus on public attitudes regarding Canadian public policy, federalism, and regionalism. Drawing on her interest in teaching and educational leadership, Berdahl's work also considers career mentorship, including the use of career skills training in the undergraduate classroom and graduate career mentorship. Her most recent book is Work Your Career: Get What You Want From Your Social Sciences or Humanities PhD (2018, University of Toronto Press; co-author J. Malloy).

Berdahl is the recipient of the 2012 University of Saskatchewan Provost’s Award for Outstanding New Teacher, the 2014 University of Saskatchewan Provost’s Award for Outstanding Teaching in the College of Arts and Science, Division of Social Science, and the 2014-2015 College of Arts and Science Teaching Excellence Award, Division of Social Sciences. Beyond her role as Department Head, she is engaged in the College of Arts and Science, serving on the Activities Information Model (AIM) Advisory Committee (chair 2017-18; member 2016-17), the Faculty Relations Advisory Committee (member 2017-18), the Indigenous Requirement Implementation Group (member 2016-17), Expanded Dean’s Executive (social science representative 2016-17), and the Bylaws Committee (member 2013-16). Her University of Saskatchewan service includes serving on the Search Committee for the Dean of Arts and Science (social science representative 2015-17) and the Faculty Recognition Committee (2016-18). Berdahl is also an active member of the Canadian political science community; she served on the Canadian Political Science Association board of directors (2014-17) and the Prairie Political Science Association board of directors (2013-present).