Newswise — Brian F. Carso, Jr., Ph.D., assistant professor of history and director of the pre-law program at Misericordia University in Dallas, Pa., is a political historian. He is available to answer questions on current and historical significance of incoming President-elect Obama, cabinet appointments, the inauguration and the transfer of executive power.

Dr. Carso has a doctorate in American studies from Boston University and a law degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He also has master's and bachelor's degrees in American history and English from the University of Rochester.

He also has held public office in county and state government as an elected county clerk in Otsego County, N.Y., and as assistant commissioner of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.