Netflix Original Series: Political Science Professor Examines “What’s in the Box?”

From teaching Political Science to competing on the Netflix game show “What’s in the Box?”, Leona Pallansch, Ph.D., is truly a jack of all trades. Throughout her time at St. Mary’s University, she has held various roles, including Associate Professor of Political Science, director of the University’s Pre-Law Program, and Interim Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.

Despite her upcoming retirement in 2025-2026, Pallansch’s spirit for adventure remains undimmed. Last summer, while hiking on Mount Rainier, she received an unexpected call inviting her to appear on the game show alongside her son, Luke Donnelly. Feeling up for the challenge, she agreed, and soon found herself in London filming with other contestants and the show’s host, Neil Patrick Harris.

The competition involved answering trivia questions to win hidden prizes, making for an exhilarating experience. Pallansch recently shared her exciting journey with Gold & Blue magazine, recounting her time on “What’s in the Box?”.

During her adventure, Pallansch had to balance her roles as a political scientist and a game show contestant. Her background in Political Science helped shape her strategy, focusing on building alliances and avoiding vulnerability. This experience highlighted the importance of teamwork and strategy in both academia and reality television.

When asked about working with Neil Patrick Harris, Pallansch only had positive things to say. She described him as fantastic and easy to talk to, praising his warm demeanor and sense of humor. Despite the emotional rollercoaster of reality TV, Pallansch found the experience rewarding and insightful.

Reflecting on her time on the show, Pallansch humorously compared the challenges of being on a game show to those of running a school as an interim dean. She admitted to laughing more on “What’s in the Box?” than she did in her role at the university, highlighting the unexpected twists and turns of both experiences.

In conclusion, Pallansch’s journey on “What’s in the Box?” was a memorable and eye-opening experience, showcasing her versatility and adventurous spirit. As she prepares for retirement, this exciting chapter serves as a reminder of the excitement that comes with embracing new challenges and opportunities.