Biography
Robert M. Stein, Ph.D., is the fellow in urban politics at the Baker Institute and the Lena Grohlman Fox Professor of Political Science at Rice University. He also is the faculty director of Rice’s Center for Civic Engagement. Stein’s current research focuses on alternative modes of elections and voting procedures in the United States; emergency preparedness, behavioral response to severe weather events, and risk assessment; and home weatherization programs in low- and moderate-income households. His work has been supported by the National Science Foundation, the City of Houston’s Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security, the Environmental Defense Fund and Pew Charitable Trusts, among others.
Stein is co-author of “Perpetuating the Pork Barrel: Policy Subsystems and American Democracy” (Cambridge University Press, 1995) and author of “Urban Alternatives: Public and Private Markets in the Provision of Local Services” (Pittsburgh Press, 1990). He has received the Outstanding Reviewer Award from Political Research Quarterly and the Best Paper Award on Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations (with Kenneth Bickers) from the American Political Science Association. He teaches courses on public policy, urban politics and political behavior at Rice, where twice he has been awarded the George R. Brown Award for Superior Teaching. Stein received his bachelor’s degree from Ohio Wesleyan University. He earned his master’s and doctoral degree from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.
Contact him at stein@rice.edu or (713) 348-2795.
Recent Publications
What to Watch for as Whitmire Runs for Mayor
Legislating and campaigning at the same time, Sen. John Whitmire looks to run for Houston Mayor. His legislative record, says fellow Bob Stein, reflects issues that are "before the voters now," such as criminal justice, which may work in his favor
Court Clears Way for TEA, but Possible Take Over Of HISD Still a ‘Mystery’
The Texas Supreme Court gave the green light for TEA to overtake HISD following a longstanding battle. Fellow Robert Stein breaks down the political history behind the dispute between state and district, and how “what happens next is a mystery.”
GOP Claims of Election Day Mismanagement, Fraud Don’t Explain Democrats’ 2022 Sweep of Harris County
Republican candidates are looking for a do-over in Harris County’s November elections. Fellow Bob Stein explained to Houston Public Media that the increase in voter registration last year reflects how Houston is “still very much a Democratic county."