Mara Cecilia Ostfeld is an Associate Research Professor at the University of Michigan's Ford School of Public Policy and the Center for Political Studies. Her research explores the psychology underlying political attitudes, with a focus on identity formation and expression. Her book and dozens of articles examine the role of race, skin color, and identity in American politics. Mara is also leading efforts to build the infrastructure to amplify the voices of communities often overlooked in public opinion research, including residents of Detroit and U.S. territories, ensuring they are more fully represented in the data that shapes policy. In addition to her academic work, she serves as a political analyst for NBC and Telemundo during national elections.