Jenna Bednar

Jenna Bednar is a Professor of Political Science at the University of Michigan, with affiliations as an External Faculty Member at the Santa Fe Institute and Edie N. Goldenberg Endowed Director of Michigan in Washington. She specializes in federalism, governance, and collective action dynamics.

• Education: B.A. from University of Michigan, M.A./Ph.D. from Stanford University

Her research explores how governments facilitate collective action, focusing on robust system design in federal systems, state-level policy innovation, campaign finance dynamics, and the interaction between cultural norms and legal compliance. She has contributed to transboundary water governance and institutional frameworks supporting human flourishing.

Jenna Bednar has received prestigious accolades including:

• APSA Martha Derthick Best Book Award (for 'The Robust Federation: Principles of Design')
• Daniel Elazar Distinguished Federalism Scholar Award (2020)