Fernando Guerra

Dr. Fernando Guerra is a Professor of Political Science and Chicana/o Studies at Loyola Marymount University (LMU), where he has taught for over three decades. He is the founder and director of LMU’s Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Center for the Study of Los Angeles (StudyLA), established in 1996 to address urban challenges, particularly following the 1992 Los Angeles riots. His work bridges academic research with community action, emphasizing social justice and urban policy.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Political Science, University of Michigan
• M.A. in Political Science, University of Michigan
• B.A. in Political Science and International Relations, University of Southern California

Research focuses on Los Angeles’s political landscape, racial and ethnic dynamics, and urban development. He leads initiatives like the annual LA public opinion poll, the largest in urban America, and the 'Exit-Poll Project,' involving hundreds of students in hands-on electoral analysis. Key concerns include affordable housing, economic disparity, and technological advancements shaping LA’s future.

Guerra has advised civic commissions and committees for Los Angeles and California, advocating for data-driven policy decisions. His teaching integrates fieldwork, such as courses on 'Politics of LA' and 'Racial and Ethnic Politics,' emphasizing real-world engagement. The Center for the Study of Los Angeles remains central to his mission, serving as a hub for urban research and community collaboration.