Meet Our Students: Celebrating Success Stories | Noah Vanderhoeven

For Vanderhoeven, choosing Western’s Political Science program was driven by both academic opportunity and strong mentorship. “I was drawn to the Political Science department at Western for two reasons,” he explains. “First was the support from my PhD supervisor Dr. Amanda Friesen, who fully supported my interest in studying the intersection of sports and politics. Second was the depth and quality of the statistical training that Western Political Science’s graduate school offers.”

This combination of mentorship and advanced research training has shaped Vanderhoeven’s doctoral journey and opened doors to opportunities across academic, public, and private sectors. Throughout his studies, he has developed strong quantitative and mixed methods research skills that have supported his dissertation work and strengthened his confidence as a researcher and public scholar.

One particularly impactful experience came through a course focused on Biology and Political Behaviour. “The course opened my perspective to political psychology research and methods that then informed my dissertation project,” Vanderhoeven shares. The interdisciplinary approach within the department allowed him to combine quantitative and qualitative methods, enriching both his academic perspective and research capabilities.

Beyond the classroom, Vanderhoeven has been actively involved in research initiatives that have deepened his understanding of social and political behaviour. Through his work with The Body Politics Lab, he has contributed to data collection and the production of research papers while gaining valuable collaborative research experience.

A defining part of Vanderhoeven’s experience at Western has been the mentorship he has received from faculty members, particularly his supervisor, Dr. Amanda Friesen. “Dr. Friesen has fully supported my research into the intersection of sports and politics and pushed me to develop my ideas and research skills,” he says. “She has also encouraged me to pursue public scholarship to mobilize my research findings and expertise, which has led to many media opportunities and connections to future research projects.”

In addition to his academic achievements, Vanderhoeven has embraced opportunities to contribute to student life and leadership within the department. As co-chair of the Graduate Association of Political Science, he helped organize social and training events that fostered connection and professional growth among graduate students.

Reflecting on the community within the department, Vanderhoeven describes it as collaborative and encouraging. “From professors to other graduate students and administrative staff, there is a vibrant community that takes an interest in your work and provides helpful feedback across a diverse array of areas of expertise,” he notes.

His time at Western has also strengthened his communication, public writing, and presentation skills while helping him grow personally and professionally. Vanderhoeven considers completing his dissertation project on schedule while continuously developing and refining his research as one of his proudest achievements.

Looking ahead, Vanderhoeven encourages prospective students to fully embrace the opportunities available within the department. “I would encourage students considering Political Science at Western to make the most of the first-class research training the department provides that will serve them well regardless of where they work in the future,” he says.

Celebrate Noah Vanderhoeven’s inspiring journey with us and discover how students in Western’s Political Science program are advancing research, building meaningful connections, and shaping conversations that extend far beyond the classroom. Stay tuned for more stories in our Meet Our Students: Celebrating Success Stories series.