Political science doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Through research, international collaboration, and direct engagement with political institutions, scholars help us better understand how governments function and how democratic institutions can become more effective.
Dr. Irina Khmelko of UTC’s Department of Political Science and Public Service brings this work to life through her ongoing collaboration with legislatures around the world.
Over the past two years, Dr. Khmelko has led delegations to the national legislatures of South Korea and Mexico, meeting with parliamentary leaders and exchanging ideas about legislative institutions and democratic governance.
During her visit to South Korea last year, she met with the Speaker and other leaders of the Korean National Assembly.
More recently, in October 2026, Dr. Khmelko traveled to Mexico to visit the Mexican Congress. During her visit to the Chamber of Deputies, proceedings on the floor were briefly paused so she could be formally introduced to the legislators. She also visited the Mexican Senate, where she received a gift from a Senate leader as a gesture of appreciation and friendship.
These experiences demonstrate how political science research connects with the everyday practice of governance. Opportunities to engage directly with legislative leaders allow scholars to exchange ideas, build international relationships, and better understand how political institutions operate in different national contexts.
For students, experiences like these also offer an important reminder: studying political science can open doors to opportunities far beyond the classroom, connecting academic interests with meaningful work at home and around the world.
Through her international collaborations, Dr. Khmelko continues to demonstrate the value of political science in action.