Willkommen, Bienvenue, Welcome!

Hello! My name is Forrest and I am a PhD Candidate in the Department of Political Science at the University of California, Davis. During AY 2025-26 I was a pre-doctoral fellow at the Stanford Global Climate Policy Lab. My research is at the nexus of International Relations and Comparative Politics. More specifically, I study how climate change impacts political systems in developing countries. My dissertation examines how climate shocks influence protest, vote buying, and climate change opinions across Africa. I’m on the 2026-2027 academic job market so please do not hesitate to reach out!

I’m originally from Virginia, where I attended the College of William & Mary and graduated with a B.A. in Public Policy and a minor in Hispanic Studies. Upon graduation I moved to Washington, D.C., where I worked in a variety of consulting jobs in public opinion research.

In my free time you can find me taking advantage of all the outdoor adventures California has to offer. I’m always on the lookout for great hiking trails, camping spots, and places to paddleboard. An avid sports fan, you’ll also see me cheering for my beloved Washington, D.C. sports teams as well as my William & Mary Tribe and Sacramento Kings.

Research Interests

Climate Politics; Political Economy; International Development; Foreign Aid; Survey Research; African Politics.