Diego Casillas
Diego Casillas (he/his) is a Political Science PhD candidate at UCLA’s Luskin School Public Affairs, and a Senior Research Fellow for UCLA’s Voting Rights Project (VRP).
Diego hails from Monterey, California, where he spent his formative years immersed in the vibrant community and scenic landscapes that define the region. Diego earned his Associate Degree from Monterey Peninsula College, where he deepened his understanding of political systems and theories, and ignited a passion for democracy and civic engagement. Following Monterey Peninsula College, Diego furthered his studies at UCLA, earning a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. Diego attributes his undergraduate studies at UCLA as the foundation for his current pursuit. As a doctoral student specializing in the intersection of race, ethnicity, and politics, Diego’s research delves into the political participation of racial and ethnic minorities in the U.S. He shares that themes such as Latino Politics, American Politics, Elections, Redistricting, and Statistics, while also academically stimulating, are vital for the fabric of American democracy.
In his capacity as a Senior Research Fellow at the VRP, Diego analyzes population and voter datasets, identifying trends and studying voting patterns crucial for understanding electoral engagement and the impact of redistricting. His redistricting work is pivotal in ensuring fair representation, employing a deep well of data analysis to inform critical decisions in the electoral landscape.
Diego believes each phase of his life has been instrumental in shaping who he is today, and shares that his career not only reflects his dedication to democracy and equitable representation, but also stands as a testament to the culmination of his educational and professional experiences.
