Saunders’ primary interests are in American politics: political parties, political behavior, public opinion, national and Colorado elections, and public policy.

Saunders also studies energy policy and election administration and survey methodology, and serves as the NCAA Faculty Representative for CSU.

Saunders’ research can be found in peer-reviewed journals including the American Journal of Political Science, the Journal of Politics, Political Research Quarterly and Comparative Political Studies, as well as in many other outlets.

Saunders received his B.S. from Ohio State University in 1994; he earned his Ph.D. from Emory University in 2001.