Shannon B. O'Brien specializes in American Politics, focusing on the American Presidency and Political Development. She has published two books, Why Presidential Speech Locations Matter: Analyzing Speechmaking from Truman to Obama and Donald Trump and the Kayfabe Presidency: Professional Wrestling Rhetoric in the White House. Her next book project looks at the impact of eugenics made and still makes upon American political life. Other current research also looks at the impact and importance of indentured servants and transported felons upon the development of the United States. Dr. O'Brien's research generally focuses on the impact of individuals upon choices, institutions, and institutional development.