McClean Zemi is a collaborative undergraduate research group at Yale University led by Assistant Professor of Political Science Charles McClean. Drawing on Professor McClean’s research in comparative politics, the politics of age, and Japan, our team explores how age shapes political participation, representation, and democratic institutions.

The Zemi brings together undergraduate researchers with diverse academic interests who share a curiosity about how political systems represent—and respond to—different generations. Our research focuses particularly on the political experiences of young people in aging democracies, examining questions of youth representation, political participation, public opinion, and institutional change.

As a research group, we are involved in projects across the research process, from conducting literature reviews and collecting data to developing research materials, analyzing evidence, and communicating findings. Working closely with Professor McClean, students have the opportunity to develop practical research skills while contributing to ongoing projects in political science.

At its core, McClean Zemi is a community of students learning through research. We value collaboration, intellectual curiosity, and the exchange of ideas across disciplines and perspectives. Together, we seek to better understand the relationship between age, representation, and political power—and what these dynamics mean for the future of democracy.