Richard N. Engstrom studies American Government and Politics, with a focus on the links between public opinion and policy outcomes at the state and local level.  He has published on questions related to electoral redistricting, primary elections, ballot initiatives, and the use of administrative data to answer research questions.  In addition to his academic work, he has been involved in numerous applied policy projects, working with state and local agencies in Texas, Wyoming, Georgia, Hawaii, Arkansas, Arizona and Maryland.  Recent applied work includes projects on gun crime reduction, citizen noncompliance with auto insurance laws, sexual violence, and citizen awareness of the services provided by government agencies.  He is currently working on a project studying how and why citizens choose to engage in public service careers.