Dana R. Fisher

Dana R. Fisher is a Professor in the School of International Service at American University, where she also serves as Director of the Center for Environment, Community, & Equity (CECE). She holds additional affiliations as a Nonresident Senior Fellow with the Governance Studies program at The Brookings Institution and previously served as Chair of the Political Sociology Section of the American Sociological Association.

Dr. Fisher's educational background includes a Ph.D. and Master of Science in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and an undergraduate degree in East Asian Studies and Environmental Studies from Princeton University.

Her research focuses on the intersection of democracy, activism, and climate politics. Dr. Fisher employs a mixed-methods approach that integrates data collected through interviews, participant observation, and various forms of survey data. Current projects include studying political elites' responses to climate change, examining how national service corps programs support communities in disaster response and building resilience, and analyzing pathways to activism and political engagement around environmental issues.

Dr. Fisher has authored over 80 peer-reviewed research papers and book chapters and has published seven books. Her most recent book, 'Saving Ourselves: from Climate Shocks to Climate Action' (Columbia University Press, 2024), explores practical approaches to addressing the climate crisis. Her research on climate activism reveals important insights about protest effectiveness, movement dynamics, and public engagement with climate issues.

• Served as Contributing Author for IPCC AR6 Working Group 3
• Series Editor for Series on Society and the Environment at Columbia University Press
• Editorial board member for Climate Policy, Environmental Research Letters, and Mobilization journals

Dr. Fisher is an active media commentator, appearing on major networks including ABC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC, and PBS Newshour. Her writing has appeared in numerous publications such as the Washington Post, TIME Magazine, Politico, and Rolling Stone. She has presented her work to federal agencies, foundations, and international organizations, translating academic research into actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners.