Assistant Professor Political Science

Dr. Geoff Lorenz joined the Department of Political Science in the Fall of 2018. He studies how to make change in Washington. His main line of research examines why Congress addresses some policy issues but not others, and in particular the role of advocacy organizations and special interest groups in shaping Congress’s legislative agenda. In addition, he studies how lawmakers’ backgrounds, interests, districts, and ambitions affect their ability to advance bills through the legislative process and into law. His research has been published in the American Political Science ReviewJournal of Politics, Interest Groups & Advocacy, and other outlets, and has been supported by organizations including the Dirksen Congressional Center and the DC-based think tank, New America. Dr. Lorenz is a faculty affiliate at the non-partisan Center for Effective Lawmaking, contributing to a research base that national organizations are using to “Build a Better Congress”. He teaches courses on research methods, American political institutions, Congress, Interest Groups, and Advocacy & Persuasion. 

Prior to coming to Nebraska, Dr. Lorenz was a postdoctoral fellow at the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy at the University of Virginia. He received his Ph.D. and M.A. in Political Science from the University of Michigan. He also holds degrees from Stanford University and Duke University.

Research Areas

  • American Political Institutions
  • Congress and Legislative Politics
  • Interest Groups and Advocacy Organizations
Links

CV

Website