Valeria Sinclair-Chapman

Valeria Sinclair-Chapman is a Professor of Political Science at Purdue University and Director of the Center for Research on Diversity and Inclusion. She holds affiliations with African American Studies, SIS Affiliated Faculty, and Women's Gender and Sexuality Studies. Her research focuses on legislative politics, minority representation, voting rights, and the impact of diversity on political institutions. Sinclair-Chapman earned her Ph.D. and M.A. from Ohio State University and a B.A. from the University of North Carolina-Asheville (with Honors).

Her research interests include exploring how racial, ethnic, and gender diversity shape political engagement and institutions. She has authored or co-authored numerous publications, including an award-winning book on African-American political activism. Sinclair-Chapman has held leadership roles in professional organizations, such as the Women’s Caucus of the Southern Political Science Association and the Race, Ethnicity, and Politics Section of the APSA.

Her work has been published in top journals like the Journal of Politics and Electoral Studies. She teaches courses on race and ethnic politics, African-American politics, and congressional institutions. Sinclair-Chapman is a founding director of the Institute for Civically Engaged Research (ICER) at Tufts University and co-edited the American Political Science Review.

Key awards include recognition for her book Countervailing Forces in African-American Political Activism. Her contributions to academia emphasize fostering inclusive multiracial democracy and advancing DEI initiatives in institutions. She actively mentors students and advocates for transformative approaches to diversity challenges in academia.