During a recent night of celebration, a former political science master’s student received the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences Rising Star Award.

Jordan Fallon, a graduate of the political science master’s program and the Alliance for Social, Political, Ethical, and Cultural Thought, has excelled since earning his degrees. From publishing a book based on his dissertation, “Culinary Man and the Kitchen Brigade: Normative Subjectivity in Western Fine Dining Traditions,” to working with his wife at their café, and teaching classes at Hollins University, the award is well deserved.

Below, Fallon discusses the Rising Star Award, the department’s impact on his career, advice to current students, and his current position and research.

What does receiving the Rising Star award from CLAHS mean to you?

It is a real honor to receive the Rising Star award. To be recognized by the college is, of course, very meaningful and it was a pleasure to meet so many other wonderful alumni. However, it was equally special – if not more so – to be nominated in the first place by mentors who I look up to and to represent a department which has impacted my life in many positive ways.

How has the Department of Political Science helped you in your academic and professional career?

My time as both a student and as an instructor for the Department of Political Science at Virginia Tech has been extremely beneficial and generative. My education there helped me to develop a much deeper appreciation for the diverse set of approaches, methods, and questions which one can explore within political science. This has provided me with a sense of flexibility and ability to teach a variety of courses and to engage with a wider set of student interests and backgrounds.

Do you have any advice for current students in our program?

To current students, I would only emphasize that, while some doubt and uncertainty is normal, it is useful to remember they are in the program with good reason. Additionally, there are so many resources and lines of support which they can find within (and offer to) one another, as well as within the wonderful and helpful people who comprise the faculty, staff, and associated personnel.

What are you doing now?

I am currently running a “pay what you can” café in Roanoke, Virginia, alongside my wife, Ami Trowell. Additionally, I am teaching in Hollins University’s M.A.L.S. program while continuing to carry out research and working on my scholarship.

Written by Patrick Salmons