Assistant Professor, Political Science
Professor Fernandes joined the department this past fall, after completing his Ph.D. at John Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. Professor Fernandes will primarily teach classes within Political Science, including Town Hall sections of the American Government course (POLS 155), as well as Interest Groups and Lobbying (POLS 404) and Latino Politics.
Professor Fernandes is especially excited for the opportunities to teach about interest groups and Latino politics, given the overlap with his research. For his dissertation research, Professor Fernandes conducted an in-depth case study of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) to develop new theories of interest group survival that take into account their growing dependence on major benefactors like foundations. This research is currently being expanded into a book manuscript, with an additional case study of the Women’s Law Fund. These projects have largely relied on archival research, which Professor Fernandes had the opportunity to discuss with students in the Political Science Honor Society, Pi Sigma Alpha, in the fall.
When he’s not working, Professor Fernandes enjoys discovering new music, going on hikes with his dog, and has lately become somewhat of a podcast addict. He is especially excited to have returned to California, given that he grew up in the Napa Valley area, did his undergraduate degree at Pomona College in Claremont, and is able to be closer to his family.