She received her Ph.D. and M.A. in political science from University of New Mexico and her Bachelor’s degree from Colorado Mesa University. Her primary focus lies in the study of political institutions and elite behavior, particularly with a focus on the representation of women and racial/ethnic minorities. Broadly speaking, Professor Hellwege teaches courses in American political institutions, such as Congress, Presidency, and Campaigns and Elections. Dr. Hellwege’s articles have appeared in Social Science Quarterly, Politics, Groups, and Identity, and she has a book chapter in the recently published Latinas in American Politics (Lexington Books).