Christina Greer is often called on by national media to break down the complexities of American politics. But step into her office at Lincoln Center, and you’ll find a life that extends far beyond cable news panels and policy debates.
Binoculars for Birding
On her desk are binoculars, ready for impromptu afternoon birdwatching trips to Central Park.
Greer, associate chair of the political science department, is an avid birder. Her frequent companion is Professor Sarah Zimmerman—her self-described “birding bestie.”
“She teaches Scottish literature; I teach American politics. The Venn diagram of what we teach in the classroom does not have much overlap,” Greer said. “But one night after we both taught a class, we shared some snacks, and it evolved into this deep love of being out in nature, walking and talking.”
On warm days, Greer and Zimmerman spend half an hour scanning trees for blue jays, cardinals, hawks, peregrine falcons, red-breasted nuthatches, and tufted titmice.
“I can sort of feel the birds and spot them really quickly,” said Greer, who also has a bird-themed holiday card from Zimmerman in her office. “But Sarah can identify them better than I can. We’re a perfect team.”
A Recording Station
Greer has a pair of headphones and a microphone, used to help her record podcasts and television interviews directly from her office when she can’t make it to a studio.
She serves as a political commentator for media outlets, primarily MSNBC, NY1, and WNYC, and is often quoted by national publications like The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. She also co-hosts FAQ NYC, a weekly podcast focused on New York City politics. The show, which is produced by The City, a nonprofit newsroom, recently recorded Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s first sit-down interview since taking office.
“I always forget that people actually listen to my podcast,” she said with a laugh. “I’ll be at the farmers market and someone will say, ‘Are you Christina Greer?’ Sometimes they recognize my voice before they see me.”
A Celebration of Black Ethnicity
Below her PhD diploma from Columbia University hangs an award from the National Conference of Black Political Scientists, honoring her first book, Black Ethnics: Rice, Immigration, and the Pursuit of the American Dream.
The book explores the political attitudes of Black Americans, Caribbean immigrants, and African immigrants. In the current moment, Greer argues, it’s especially important to focus on policy issues that can build solidarity across diverse Black communities.
“As we think about what’s going on right now in Minnesota with Somali populations and immigration crackdowns that affect Black immigrants from the Caribbean—Haiti in particular—we need to remember the real unifying conversations about Black ethnicity that are still relevant today,” Greer said.
Support for Girl Scouts’ Troop 6000
Pinned to a board is a patch from Troop 6000, a New York City Girl Scouts troop serving girls living in the city’s shelter system.
A few years ago, Greer volunteered at a pop-up shop in Union Square, helping the girls sell cookies. Many of her Fordham students showed up to support them.
“It’s a great organization,” said Greer, who has two nieces of her own. “They’re young girls, just like everyone else. The only difference is they don’t have stable housing.”
A Chocolate Pin
Another small token—a chocolate-themed pin from a student—serves as a reminder of how she supported students during the pandemic.
“At the beginning of every class, I asked students to share something that brought them joy since we last met,” she said. “Something like ‘I had a chocolate bar,’ ‘I talked with my friend,’ or ‘I FaceTimed with my grandma.’”
Greer also keeps a box of chocolate-covered almonds on her desk. “Chocolate solves everything,” she added.
The Talking ‘Yes!’ Button
Students rarely leave her office without pressing the bright green “Yes!” button on her desk.
“Students who come in during office hours are usually freaking out about something—life, their major, an exam,” she said. “When we resolve the issue, I ask, ‘Are you feeling better?’ And the button literally says things like, ‘Yes, baby!’ ‘Yes!’ ‘Give me a Y, give me an E, give me an S, YES!’ That always makes people smile.”
Joanie Junior
The newest addition to her desk is a potted succulent, a thank-you gift from a former student from Singapore named Joan.
As part of her professional work, Greer moderates panel discussions for a range of organizations. At one event, she invited several students to attend so they could build their networks—including Joan, who connected with a representative from one of the organizations. She followed up, attended an event, and photographed it so skillfully that she was offered a social media role.
“She turned a quick conversation into an internship opportunity,” Greer said. “It can be hard for international students to access those opportunities, so she was really happy about it.”
Last week, the student brought her professor the plant in gratitude.
“I’m going to try to keep it alive,” Greer said. “I’m not good with succulents.”
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
