I am a political scientist specializing in public opinion, political behavior, and democratic backsliding, with regional expertise in Latin America. My research explores how religion and clientelism shape political engagement, with a particular focus on evangelical movements in Brazil.
My dissertation, Clients of God – The Political Economy of the Evangelical Poor, investigates how evangelical churches engage in clientelistic practices to build political power in Brazil. Drawing on interviews, survey data, and legislative behavior analysis, I examine the roles of voters, local pastors, and church leaders in this network, with a focus on the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God and its hierarchical control over affiliated politicians.
I have extensive experience in survey design, statistical analysis, and mixed-methods research, and I have collaborated with international data infrastructure initiatives through my work at IPUMS. I am also a dedicated educator who has taught courses on democracy, political inequality, and voting behavior at both research universities and liberal arts colleges.
"Partisan Dehumanization in Brazil's Asymmetrically Polarized System." Co-authored with David Samuels (University of Minnesota).
"Extending IPUMS Harmonization to Monetary Standardization through Inflation Adjustment and Currency Conversion." Co-authored with Kari C. W. Williams, Sarah M. Flood, and Lara L. Cleveland.
"Electoral Advantages of Brazil's Clientelist Media Development." Co-authored with Elizabeth Stein (Wesleyan University).
"Captured Media? Examining Brazilian Coverage of Lava Jato." Co-authored with Daniela Campello (EBAPE–FGV), Anya Schiffrin (Columbia University), and Debora Thomé (UFF).
Taylor C. Boas. Evangelicals and Electoral Politics in Latin America: A Kingdom of This World. Cambridge University Press, 2023.
"Lula X Evangelicals – Is the polarization over?" Co-authored with David Samuels.
"Das Justificativas da Guerra Cultural."
"Mujeres Progressistas y Conservadoras, en las Municipales de Brazil." Co-authored with Débora Thomé (UFF).
"Seeds of Inequality: Women in Sustainable Agriculture." Co-authored with Marie Schaedel (University of Minnesota).
Clients of God – The Political Economy of Brazilian Evangelicals. Book ms.
"Which God do They Serve? Brazilian Evangelical City Councilmen Behavior." Under review
"Global Value Chains and the Domestic Politics of Climate Policy: Evidence from Brazilian Agribusiness." Co-authored with Daniela Campello (Columbia University).
St. Catherine University · Fall 2026
St. Catherine University · Spring 2026
St. Catherine University · 2025–2026
St. Catherine University · Fall 2025
University of Minnesota · Summer 2025, Summer 2026
University of Wisconsin – River Falls · Spring 2025
University of Wisconsin – River Falls · Spring 2025