Chris Pepin-Neff

Chris Pepin-Neff (they/them) serves as an Associate Professor of Public Policy at the University of Sydney, Australia. Holding a Ph.D. in Public Policy from the same institution, they are recognized for scholarly contributions including the books Flaws: Shark Bites and Emotional Public Policymaking and LGBTQ Lobbying in the United States.

Their research critically examines intersections of public sentiment and policy formation, with primary focus areas in environmental policy (particularly human-shark interactions and marine conservation) and LGBTQ rights advocacy. They investigate how emotional narratives shape legislative outcomes, as evidenced by analyses of shark-bite policymaking and trans-inclusive legislation. Current work addresses moral panics targeting marginalized youth and their societal ripple effects.

No scientific awards, student mentorship records, or laboratory affiliations were documented in the source material. Their public commentary in outlets like Scientific American demonstrates applied policy engagement, notably in pieces addressing cultural perceptions of sharks and anti-trans legislation.