Rene Rocha

Rene Rocha is a Professor of Political Science and holds the Herman J. and Eileen S. Schmidt Chair at the University of Iowa. He specializes in race, ethnicity, and politics, with a focus on immigration policy and voting rights. His research bridges American Politics, examining how demographic changes and policy environments shape political behavior, representation, and inequality.

Education:

• Ph.D., Political Science, Texas A&M University, 2006

Research Interests:

Rocha explores topics such as Black-Brown coalition dynamics, the impact of immigration enforcement on political trust and identity, and the role of demographic shifts in election administration. His work emphasizes intersectional analyses of race, policy feedback mechanisms, and institutional responses to minority populations.

Articles Trends:

Recent publications (2024) highlight themes like coalition politics in local governance, policy feedback in diverse environments, and the racial dimensions of democratic decline. Earlier work (2013–2020) delves into immigration enforcement’s societal impacts, voting rights challenges, and the role of social capital in policy outcomes.

Awards:

• American Political Science Association Award
• Midwest Political Science Association Award
• Western Political Science Association Award
• Southwestern Political Science Association Award

Advising & Grants:

Rocha’s academic leadership includes directing the Latina/o Studies program and mentoring scholars in race, ethnicity, and policy research. While specific grant details are not provided, his prolific publication record suggests sustained research funding.

Labs/Teams:

He collaborates with institutions like the Hawkeye Poll and contributes to interdisciplinary efforts on race and policy at the University of Iowa.