The APSA Diversity Fellowship Program, formerly the Minority Fellowship Program, was established in 1969 as a fellowship competition to diversify the political science profession. DFP provides support to students from underrepresented backgrounds applying to, or in the early stages of, a PhD program in political science. The goal of the program is to increase the number of scholars from minoritized backgrounds in the discipline and ultimately the professoriate. APSA has once again awarded a new cycle to provide support for PhD students currently in their first or second year as of Spring 2023. Please join us in congratulating the 2023-2024 class of fellows!
Carlos Aguilera is a Ph.D. student in the department of political science at Howard University where he is currently a Just-Julian Research Fellow. At Howard University, he was previously a Frederick Douglass Scholar where he mentored and provided support to undergraduate students as a graduate student instructor. His fields of study include American government and international relations. His research focuses on the Supreme Court, constitutional law, and public opinion. Additionally, Carlos is exploring how Supreme Court decisions and public opinion coincide and the impact of decisions on underrepresented communities such as people of color, women, and individuals from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Before pursuing his doctoral degree, Carlos received his BS in criminal justice and sociology from San Diego State University. He also graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Southern California with a Master of Public Administration. After completing his doctorate, Carlos looks forward to teaching the next generation of diverse-public sector leaders and promoting public policies that advance resources and services for underrepresented communities.