Allegra H. Fullerton, a senior researcher at the Center for Policy and Democracy in the University of Colorado Denver’s School of Public Affairs, is making a notable impact on the study of policy processes, emotions, and collective action as she nears completion of her PhD in Public Affairs.

At the Center, Fullerton leads several research initiatives that explore how emotions shape political behavior, how marginalized communities navigate policy environments, and how advocacy networks form, evolve, and learn. Her work blends policy theory with innovative network methods to understand how groups build coalitions, respond to conflict, and make sense of rapidly changing political landscapes.

“Allegra is vital to the Center for Policy and Democracy,” said Tanya Heikkila, Professor, Program Director, Master of Public Policy, and Co-Director, Center for Policy and Democracy. “She leads much of our research and outreach with incredible energy and insight, all while excelling as a scholar and teacher. I’m so grateful for her support and the impact she’s had at CPD and SPA.”

Fullerton’s scholarship has appeared in leading journals, including Policy Studies Journal, Policy Sciences, Review of Policy Research, and International Review of Public Policy. Her research is widely recognized within the policy process community. In 2025, her co-authored article examining the evolution of policy process theories in Europe earned the Environmental Politics and Administration (EPA) Best Paper Award.

A dedicated educator as well as a researcher, Fullerton is a two-time “Best Lecturer” honoree at CU Denver. At the School of Public Affairs, she teaches courses on democracy, negotiation, and the policy process—bringing her research insights directly into the classroom and earning a reputation for fostering curiosity, connection, and confidence among her students.

Beyond campus, she is deeply involved in service to the field. Fullerton serves on the organizing committee for the international Conference on Policy Process Research (COPPR), helping guide the growth of a global community of scholars and practitioners committed to advancing policy theory and methods. She also contributes to the discipline’s digital scholarship ecosystem as the Digital Associate Editor for Policy & Politics.

“Allegra was a central part of the organizing team not only for the first COPPR held in Denver in 2023 but also continued to serve as a leader for the 2024 COPPR in Syracuse, and 2026 COPPR in Bern, Switzerland,” said Heikkila. Her contributions have been central to building a strong international community of scholars studying policy processes.”

Fullerton earned her Master of Public Administration from Arizona State University and is expected to complete her PhD in Public Affairs at CU Denver in Spring 2026. Her work continues to push forward timely conversations about emotions, equity, and democratic engagement—strengthening both the scholarship and practice of public policy.

Allegra Fullerton with University of Colorado Denver Chancellor Kenneth T. Christensen and School of Public Affairs Distinguished Professor Paul Teske. Fullerton received CU Denver’s award for Excellence in Teaching by a Lecturer in October 2025.