Herschel Thomas

Dr. Thomas' research examines the policy process with an emphasis on the role of civil society in shaping public policy decision-making and outcomes. His ongoing work spans the study of organized interests and lobbying, the politics of public health, and agenda-setting. He co-authored a book, "Revolving Door Lobbying," with Tim LaPira in 2017 (University Press of Kansas) and has published articles in journals such as Political Research Quarterly, American Journal of Public Health, Public Administration, Policy Studies Journal, Politics & Gender, Risk, Hazards & Crisis in Public Policy, Interest Groups & Advocacy, Cognitive Systems Research, and the Journal of the American Association of Psychiatry & the Law. His work has been supported by two National Science Foundation RAPID grants and internal awards from WVU. He teaches courses on interest groups and advocacy, research design, agenda-setting, public policy analysis, policy implementation, and public administration.

Ph.D., University of Texas, Austin, 2015