Sharon F. Lean

Sharon F. Lean is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Political Science at Wayne State University, where she has served since 2005. Her academic leadership includes roles as Associate Dean of the Graduate School (2018-2021) and Director of Graduate Studies, recognized with Wayne State’s 2016 Outstanding Graduate Director Award and 2011 President's Award for Excellent in Teaching.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Political Science, University of California - Irvine
• M.A. in Social Sciences, FLACSO-México
• B.A. in Latin American Studies (with honors), Brown University

Research Focus centers on civil society’s role in governmental transparency and accountability in Latin America, with fieldwork in Mexico and Central America. Her recent publications and NSF-funded projects emphasize intersectional equity in academic governance and women’s political participation.

Grants and Awards include the NSF ADVANCE grant (2023-2028) for inclusive work cultures, USAID Research and Innovation Grant (2016), and a Fulbright Scholar Award (2013). She has also secured international collaboration grants with institutions in Colombia and Mexico.