Education
- Ph.D. in Political Science, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2024
Dissertation: Judicial Ideology and Legal Outcomes in Pakistan - M.A. in Political Science, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2019
- B.Sc. (Hons) in Economics & Political Science, LUMS, 2015
Areas of Specialization
Judicial Politics and Public Law
Comparative Political Theory
Islamic Legal Thought and Political Institutions
Areas of Competence
- Political Theory
- Public Policy
- Law and Society in South Asia
Biography
Dr. Muhammad Faraz is a political scientist specializing in comparative political theory, public law, and judicial politics in South Asia. He recently completed his Ph.D. in Political Science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where his research explored judicial ideology, legal outcomes, and the role of elite jurists in shaping modern Islamic law in Pakistan. His dissertation combined quantitative and qualitative methods, including analysis of 110 legal cases and 33 in-depth interviews.
In addition to research, Dr. Faraz brings extensive teaching and mentorship experience, having served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant for six years at UMass Amherst and as a mentor in multiple global academic programs. His leadership roles include serving as Chair of the Curricular Advisory Board for the Millennium Campus Network (MCN) and mentoring underrepresented students through research leadership fellowships.
Professional Experience
- AI Expert Contributor (Political Science), Snorkel AI, Inc. (2025–Present)
- Team Lead, Global Admissions Committee, Millennium Fellowship (2025–Present)
- Director of Operations & Strategic Development, Infused Way LLC (2024)
- Graduate Teaching Assistant, UMass Amherst (2016–2022)
- Teaching & Research Fellow, LUMS (2016)
Selected Publications & Conference Presentations
- “Decentralization of Despotism,” Association for Political Theory, UMass Amherst (2021)
- “Organized Knowledge and Judicial Behavior,” Western Political Science Association (2020)
- “Activist Courts & Social Movements in Pakistan,” Canadian Political Science Association (2019)
- [Full list available upon request]
Fellowships, Grants & Awards
- Research Enhancement & Leadership (REAL) Fellowship Award ($4,000)
- Dissertation Writing Grant ($4,000)
- Field Research Grant ($4,000)
- W.E.B. Du Bois Fellowship Research Grant ($3,000)
Professional Service & Leadership
- Mentor, Breakthrough Scholar Program, Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation
- Chair, Curricular Advisory Board, Millennium Campus Network (2016–2018)
- UN Fellow & Peacebuilding Intern, Intersections International (2017)
