I am a quantitative social scientist and Ph.D. candidate at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, specializing in American public opinion, climate policy, and international relations. My research uses surveys, experiments, and statistical analysis to understand how people form opinions on climate policy. Through my academic work and applied research I translate complex data into clear, actionable insights for academics, policymakers, and the public.
For a full overview of my academic and professional experience, you can view my Curriculum Vitae (for academic and research roles) or my Resume (for data analysis, project management, and policy consulting opportunities).
My dissertation research focuses on the political economy of the environment, with a particular emphasis on the politics of domestic support for both national and international climate action among the American public.
To learn more about my dissertation please click the arrow:
The challenge of addressing global climate change effectively and equitably is daunting and requires significant political will and public support. In my research, I examine which climate policies are most publicly acceptable and therefore more likely to become law and which framing strategies can successful increase approval. My dissertation consists of three papers that use surveys and experiments to explore the factors that influence American support for climate action. In particular, I highlight the role of non-material factors, such as identity and sociotropic perceptions, in shaping climate attitudes. Together, these papers push forward our understanding of both what the American public thinks about climate change and how their opinions form.
I am committed to combining rigorous academic research with real-world impact, ensuring that data-driven insights inform both scholarship and policy decision-making. My research is published in a variety of leading peer-reviewed journals, including International Studies Quarterly, Political Research Quarterly, Security Studies, International Studies Perspectives, PS: Political Science & Politics, and Journal of Global Security Studies.
I have also published several shorter pieces of policy analysis in public-facing media outlets, including Foreign Policy, Lawfare, The Washington Post's Monkey Cage, and Duck of Minerva.
To learn more about my teaching experience:
I've taught to diverse audiences including Ph.D. students, undergraduates, and working professionals. My instructional effectiveness, approach to teaching, and dedication to mentorship was recognized by the UNC Department of Political Science in awarding me the 2024 Richard R. Pouliot Teaching Award for excellence in teaching and mentorship.

Eric Parajon
Ph.D. candidate UNC
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