Laura Evans

Dr. Laura E. Evans is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of California, Riverside. She studies Indigenous politics, race and politics, and federalism in the U.S. Dr. Evans’ work addresses the historic and continuing obstacles to Native American tribal governments’ exercise of sovereignty, as well as tribal initiatives to dismantle barriers and expand opportunities to self-govern. At present, she is analyzing Native American political attitudes and policy preferences. In other work, she is examining how tribal governments confront crises—specifically, the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. In addition, she is evaluating how tribal activists’ interactions with the U.S. Congress have evolved since the late 19th century. Dr. Evans holds a Ph.D. in Political Science and a Master of Public Policy from the University of Michigan. Previously, she was a faculty member at the University of Washington’s Evans School of Public Policy and Governance.