I grew up in central-eastern Germany, in the small town of Merseburg. The town traces its history back more than a thousand years, when King Henry the Fowler established a royal palace there in the early tenth century. In fact, my high school graduation took place in its Renaissance castle, which rises above the Saale River and stands as a reminder of the city’s rich history.

I later studied Political Science at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg in nearby Halle, where I received both my B.A. and M.A. Before moving to the United States, I spent three years working for an NGO in Germany.

In 2019, I moved to the United States to pursue a PhD in Government and Politics at the University of Maryland, College Park, which I completed in July 2025. My primary research interests are Congress and American political institutions, though my interest in politics has always extended beyond the United States to comparative politics and international relations.

My wife Celine and I now live with our dog Bernie in Hartford, Connecticut. We also have a strong connection to the beautiful state of Maine, where we enjoy spending as much time as we can.

Email me at florian.gawehns@trincoll.edu