Dr. Bivens (PhD, Northern Illinois University) is a scholar of international relations and comparative politics. His research interests include postcolonial theory, LGBTQ+ rights in sub-Saharan Africa, comparative regionalism, and global governance. He has published in outlets such as Africa Today and is currently working on a book project centered on the role of identity and how it shapes policy between countries that share the same language and history.

At EIU, Dr. Bivens teaches courses in international relations, comparative politics, and public policy. This includes special topics such as the politics of developing nations, international organizations, gender and sexuality, and public policy analysis.