Amy E. Lerman

Professor Amy E. Lerman is the Michelle Schwartz Chair and Professor of Public Policy and Political Science at the University of California, Berkeley. Her research focuses on issues of equity, public opinion, and civic engagement, particularly as they relate to public safety and social inequality in America. Amy’s scholarship can be found in a wide variety of academic journals and has been featured in numerous media outlets, including The New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, CNN, and NPR. She consults widely on issues related to civic engagement and trust in government, prison reform, access to higher education, and law enforcement mental health.

In addition to her research, Amy previously served as a speechwriter and communications consultant for national nonprofits and members of the United States Congress, a community organizer in Latin America and Southeast Asia, and an adjunct faculty member of the Prison University Project at San Quentin State Prison. In 2023, Amy was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and she is a 2025 Andrew Carnegie Fellowship recipient for her ongoing work on the potential of meaningful civic engagement to reduce political polarization and strengthen democratic governance.