Michael Cowan

Research & Development Associate

Mike Cowan is a Toronto‑based researcher working with the IJF this summer while preparing to begin his PhD in Political Science at the University of Toronto in September. Trained in political science, psychology and statistics, he applies experiments and text‑as‑data methods to questions about voter behaviour, electoral systems and technology policy. He recently received a SSHRC award for new work on computational gerrymandering in Canada.

Beyond research, Mike supports undergraduate teaching, runs coding workshops, and volunteers with a community legal clinic—activities that reflect his commitment to accessible data skills and equitable policy outcomes. In his free time, Mike enjoys playing golf and squash and watching hockey.