Erin C. Cassese, Ph.D. is a professor of political science at the University of Delaware with joint appointments in the departments of communication and women and gender studies. She also works as a research collaborator at the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media. Cassese maintains an active research agenda in political psychology with an emphasis on political identity, intergroup processes, and representation in American political life. Her research has appeared in peer-reviewed journals such as the Journal of Politics, Political Behavior, and Politics & Gender. Cassese's scholarship has been recognized by several awards from professional organizations and supported by grants from organizations like the Center for American Women and Politics. Her research and commentary have been featured in news outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Atlantic. Cassese recently received the Mae and Robert Carter Research Award from the University of Delaware for the project “Vilifying Women Leaders: Semiotic Violence in U.S. Congressional Campaign Ads." The project examines how female members of Congress are portrayed in attack ads aired during Congressional races to gain an improved understanding of the intersectional dynamics of negative campaigning and to develop the implications of these dynamics for women's political careers.