Lara M. Brown, Ph.D.

Lara M. Brown, Ph.D. works as an assistant professor in the Department of Political Science at Villanova University. With research interests in presidential aspirants, congressional incumbents, and scandals, her aim is to educate students on the institutions and rules that structure American political parties and national elections and demystify the politics that operate in our nation’s capital. Lara’s latest book, Jockeying for the American Presidency: The Political Opportunism of Aspirants (Cambria Press, 2010) traces the paths of aspirants from 1796-2008 on their way to the presidency. She also proudly serves on the Board of Directors of The New Agenda, a "pro-woman" organization devoted to improving the lives of women and girls. Prior to completing her doctorate at UCLA in 2001, Lara served in President William J. Clinton’s administration at the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, D.C.