Dr. Daniel J. Simmons

Professor Simmons studies the intersection between how the law functions and how the people react to the law. Specifically, his research uses survey experiments to examine how controversial policing affects the U.S. public’s opinion of the police and local government, as well as the U.S. public’s attitudes towards policing policy. He also conducts research with colleagues to examine how public opinion and preferences can be influenced and empowered. His research is published in outlets including the Journal of Politics, Political Research Quarterly, Journal of Elections, Public Opinion, & Parties, Journal of Health Politics, Policy, & Law, Social Science Quarterly, PLoS ONE, and The Washington Post. Before coming to UWEC in 2023, Professor Simmons taught at Saint Michael's College. Professor Simmons teaches courses on topics including U.S. political behavior, public opinion, state/local politics, identity, and constitutional law.