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Department of Political Science

Cassy Dorff

Associate Professor
Faculty Affiliate, Data Science Institute

Cassy Dorff earned a Ph.D. in Political Science from Duke University in 2015, and a B.A. in Government at the University of Texas in 2010. Cassy’s research uncovers patterns of how people engage with and respond to political conflict and crises. To do this, Cassy analyzes the ways networks and interdependence shape individual, community, and state-level behaviors during and after episodes of violence. Current research projects focus on civilian victimization, criminal violence,  journalism in conflict zones, the networked dynamics of conflict, protest dynamics, and political agency. At Vanderbilt, Cassy teaches courses on political conflict, civilian behavior, and data science.

Representative publications

  • Cassy Dorff. "Criminal Victimization and Agency Attitudes in Mexico." Comparative Political Studies. (Forthcoming).
  • Cassy Dorff, Grace Adcox and Amanda Konet. "Data Innovations on Protests in the United States." Journal of Peace Research. 60.1 (2023): 172-189. 
  • Cassy Dorff, Max Gallop, and Shahryar Minhas. "Networks of Violence and Civilian Targeting During Civil War." British Journal of Political Science. 53.2 (2023): 441-459. 
  • Cassy Dorff, Colin Henry, and Sandra Ley. "Does Violence Against Journalists Deter Detailed Reporting? Evidence from Mexico." Journal of Conflict Resolution. (2023): 1218-1247.