Doug Bradley, MPA

Contact Doug

Hometown

Lisle, Illinois

Undergraduate education

B.S. Public Policy & Administration, UW-Whitewater, 2026

Expected graduation date

May 2028

Professional/research interests

My research interests are situated at the intersection of electoral politics, political behavior, and quantitative political methodology. Broadly, I am interested in identifying and evaluating the individual-level and contextual determinants of electoral behavior, particularly the factors that influence political participation, candidate preference, and issue positioning. I am especially interested in understanding why individuals choose to participate in elections, how voters translate social identities and political attitudes into candidate preferences, and which factors systematically predict support for particular policy positions.

What drew you to the La Follette School?

I never really considered attending graduate school until a close friend and mentor, Todd Schmitt, highly recommended the La Follette School. So I did my research and absolutely fell in love with the program: the faculty expertise, the cohort size, being in the capital city, everything. I am beyond glad to now be in the MPA program and working with amazing students to learn from exceptional professors. Thanks, Todd!

Summer Internship Experience

During the summer of 2025, I interned with the U.S. House of Representatives in Congressman Bryan Steil’s office. My work focused on constituent services, including responding to calls, letters, and emails and staffing office hours. My internship coincided with the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, making for an especially active summer. I gained invaluable insight into the legislative process and constituent engagement while learning from incredible colleagues, including Susie, Trenton, Rich, Casey, and Megan.

If someone helped you with your career path, who was it and how did they mentor you?

Two mentors helped shape my undergrad experience: Jan Bilgen and Dr. Eric Loepp. Jan played an instrumental role in my development as a leader, instilling the importance of integrity, accountability, and principled decision-making. Dr. Loepp helped me decide on Public Policy and Administration as my major and dedicated considerable time to help guide my educational pursuits and cultivate my research interests in electoral politics and political behavior. I remain deeply grateful for their mentorship and enduring influence on my academic and professional development.

What did you do before enrolling at the La Follette School?

Prior to attending the La Follette School of Public Affairs, I earned a B.S. in Public Policy and Administration from UW–Whitewater. There I served two consecutive terms as the Student Body President, advancing institutional policy and collaborating with university, community, and government leadership.

Additionally, I interned with the U.S. House of Representatives and was a Democracy Fellow with Campus Vote Project. Since 2019, I have served on the board of the Lisle Partners for Parks Foundation, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to expanding recreational access and supporting community programs.