The Institute for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship (IDJC) has named Nathaniel Rakich and Miranda Spivack as visiting fellows for fall 2025.
The IDJC Visiting Fellows program brings in thought leaders in journalism, politics or public affairs to collaborate with Syracuse University students and faculty. Now in its first full year, the program is designed to deepen public understanding of democratic institutions and civic life through research, teaching and public engagement.
The institute is a joint initiative of the University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications and Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.
“Nathaniel and Miranda possess the real-world experiences and insights that will contribute to the greater understanding of public engagement and democratic institutions,” says IDJC’s Kramer Director Margaret Talev. “I look forward to working with them to help our students navigate the evolving media and political landscapes on their path toward careers in public affairs and communications.”
A senior elections analyst and editor formerly with FiveThirtyEight, Rakich specializes in data-driven political reporting. His work has also appeared in The New Yorker, POLITICO, Roll Call, The Atlantic, The New Republic, Inside Elections and the Boston Globe.
Nathaniel Rakich
Rakich plans to focus his fellowship on improving the public’s understanding of polling and public-opinion research. He hopes to host events and discussions for students, collaborate with faculty on curriculum development, and work with the IDJC on developing University-sponsored polling on issues important to students.
“I’m honored to be a fellow at the IDJC this fall,” Rakich said. “I’m particularly excited for the opportunity to meet all the students who will pass through the institute’s doors this semester and share everything I know about the worlds of journalism and politics.”
A Harvard University graduate, Rakich also is passionate about travel and baseball—and writes about both.
A veteran investigative journalist and editor, Spivack is the author of “Backroom Deals in Our Backyards: How Government Secrecy Harms Our Communities and the Local Heroes Fighting Back.”
Miranda Spivack
She plans to use her fellowship to develop a project, “Toolkit for Democracy”—with the help of students and colleagues from the University— with the goal of playing a significant role in improving the public’s ability to track how federal, state and local governments are spending their tax dollars and to expand civic engagement.
“I am eager to help communities and journalists figure out ways to improve government transparency,” Spivack said.
She spent 20 years at The Washington Post covering government accountability and secrecy. Her work has also appeared in The New York Times, McClatchy Newspapers and USA Today. Spivack wrote the “State Secrets” series for Reveal from The Center for Investigative Reporting.
A former Fulbright Scholar in the Balkans, Spivack has taught at several universities and served as Distinguished Visiting Professor of Journalism at DePauw University. She holds degrees from Sarah Lawrence College and Yale Law School.
The IDJC’s fellowship program for visiting professionals reflects the institute’s broader mission to connect students with leading voices in journalism and civic life. Through public events, classroom visits and collaborative projects, fellows contribute to a dynamic learning environment that prepares students to become thoughtful, engaged communicators and citizens.
