معرفی
Fred Smoller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Chapman University's Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, where he has been on faculty since 1983. His academic home is within the Political Science department, focusing on the intersection of politics, governance, and environmental policy.
Dr. Smoller received his academic training from State University of New York, College of Fredonia (B.A.), The University of Texas at Austin (M.A.), and Indiana University Bloomington (Ph.D.). His educational background established the foundation for his expertise in American politics with particular emphasis on institutional structures and political behavior.
Smoller's research interests center on media and politics, local government operations, and public administration, with recent work increasingly focused on climate change policy and sustainability governance. His scholarship demonstrates a clear trajectory toward addressing Orange County's evolving political landscape and environmental challenges, particularly examining how local governments can respond to climate change. He has become a prominent voice on political realignment in Orange County, documenting its shift from a Republican stronghold to a more politically competitive region.
His recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on practical applications of political science to contemporary environmental challenges, with numerous articles addressing climate change policy, sustainable energy solutions, and local government responses to environmental crises. The publications demonstrate consistent engagement with both academic and public discourse through outlets ranging from Capitol Weekly to Voice of OC and the Los Angeles Times.
- President and CEO of the Orange County Sustainability Decathlon (2023)
- Co-director of the Orange County Annual Survey (with Michael A. Moodian)
- Hosted conference on the Bell corruption scandal at Chapman University
- Instrumental in bringing the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon to the Orange County Great Park in 2013 and 2015
Smoller leads the Orange County Sustainability Decathlon initiative, which aims to position Orange County as a leader in sustainable housing and climate action. His work bridges academic research with community engagement, particularly through the Orange County Annual Survey which tracks local political attitudes and policy preferences. His research on the Bell corruption scandal demonstrates his commitment to understanding and improving local governance practices in the region.
