“Democracy is not a state. It is an act, and each generation must do its part to help build what we called the Beloved Community, a nation and world society at peace with itself.” - Representative John Lewis
A Brief Bio
Welcome! I am an Associate Professor of American Politics in the Department of Government and International Relations at Connecticut College. I research and teach about election laws and administration, political parties and campaigns, and political engagement. I am also a 2024 Andrew Carnegie Fellow with a focus on assessing how election officials can de-polarize perceptions of electoral integrity in the United States.
I am the host of the podcast What Voting Means to Me. When I am not doing my part to secure American democracy, I am an avid distance runner, creative writer, composer of songs, and adoring various cinematic delights.
I am originally from Northern Lower Michigan (Leelanau County!) but lived in Chicago (Go Cubs!) for over 10 years before moving to Connecticut. Prior to earning my PhD from Northwestern University, I studied at DePaul University.