Institute Administration
Ryan Owens is Director of the Institute for Governance and Civics, Professor of Political Science, and Affiliate Faculty in the FSU College of Law. He specializes in law and courts, focusing on the U.S. Supreme Court, federal appellate courts, and judicial behavior. Owens’s work has appeared in major journals such as the American Journal of Political Science and the Journal of Politics. He has received research support from the National Science Foundation and Harvard, and was the inaugural recipient of UW-Madison’s undergraduate mentoring award.
Lila Seagle is Associate Director of the Institute for Governance and Civics at FSU, bringing over 20 years of public service experience in Florida. She is recognized for her leadership in citizen engagement, public policy, urban planning, and economic development. Seagle previously served as Deputy Director of the Office of Economic Vitality in Tallahassee/Leon County and led civic experience strategy for the City of Gainesville, where she drove innovation and operational efficiency. She holds a Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning and an MBA from the University of Florida.
Jonus Goldstein is a second-year student at Florida State University pursuing a dual degree in Management Information Systems and Political Science, with a minor in Urban and Regional Planning. As Institute Assistant, Jonus manages website operations, maintains digital resources, coordinates program logistics, conducts research, manages databases, and provides technical support for Institute staff and faculty.
Maxwell Harden is a third-year student at Florida State University, majoring in Economics and Philosophy with a minor in Classics. In his role as Institute Assistant, Maxwell supports campus outreach and student engagement initiatives, assists with the organization and promotion of Institute events, and collaborates with staff to develop programming that encourages civic leadership and participation among students.
Hillary Harbauer is a third-year Political Science major with minors in Law and Philosophy at Florida State University. As an Institute Assistant, Hillary manages the Institute’s social media accounts, creates and distributes outreach materials, and assists in organizing events and communications. She works closely with staff to promote Institute programs and enhance student awareness and involvement in Institute initiatives.
Maegan Smarkusky is a Presidential Scholar at Florida State University pursuing a dual degree in Political Science and Integrated Studies with a minor in Law & Philosophy. As an Institute Assistant, Maegan supports general Institute operations, assists with student engagement, and contributes to the success of events and daily activities.
Aidan Cameron is a Political Science major with an Economics minor at Florida State University, expected to graduate in May 2026. As an Institute Assistant, Aidan provides general support for Institute projects, assists with administrative operations, and contributes to ongoing events and initiatives.
Katherine O'Ryan is a Political Science major at Florida State University, expected to graduate in May 2027. As an Institute Assistant, Katherine provides general support for Institute projects, assists with administrative operations, and contributes to ongoing events and initiatives.