As Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump take to the stage Monday evening in the first presidential candidate debate, Penn State political science and security experts will be watching along with the rest of the general public, and they’ll be availably immediately afterward to give their analysis to media. Debate topics include “America’s direction,” “achieving prosperity” and “securing America.”

Penn State experts are available to comment on the debate:

— Dennis Jett, professor of international affairs

Dennis Jett

Jett can speak to the topic of securing America. He is a former American ambassador who joined the School of International Affairs after a career in the U.S. Foreign Service that spanned twenty-eight years and three continents. His experience and expertise focus on international relations, foreign aid administration, and American foreign policy. Contact: dcj10@psu.edu.

— Anne McKenna, visiting assistant professor of law

Anne McKenna

McKenna is available to talk about key cyber, social media, electronic privacy and email issues in the Presidential Election. She is a nationally recognized trial attorney and author in cyber, privacy, electronic surveillance and cellular law. She can discuss the use of social media in the election by both parties, the influence of hacking in this election and the broader implications of online privacy and security. Contact: atm19@psu.edu.

— Robert Speel, associate professor of political science

Robert Speel

Speel can speak generally about the debate and historical moments in past presidential debates. He recently wrote an article about the five key debate moments that altered the course of a presidential race.

His teaching and research interests include elections and voting behavior, state and urban politics, Congress and the Presidency, and public policy. He is the author of “Changing Patterns of Voting in the Northern United States,” about the creation of the regional divide of Red States and Blue States in the United States. Contact: rws15@psu.edu.

— Nichola Gutgold, professor of communication arts and sciences

Nichola Gutgold

Gutgold is an expert on women in politics. She can speak about past female political candidates and barriers women face today. She is the author of “Madam President: Five Women Who Paved the Way.” Contact: ngutgold@psu.edu.

— Christopher Beem, manager of the Penn State McCourtney Institute for Democracy

Christopher Beem

Beem can speak generally about American politics, the state of democracy and the political debate. He is the author of “Democratic Humility” and four other books. Contact: cxb518@psu.edu.

For more information or direct phone numbers for the experts, please contact News and Media Relations at 814-865-7517 or hrobbins@psu.edu.