Research:
I am a fourth year Ph.D. candidate in American Politics with a minor in Institutions. My research interests lie within judicial politics, with a particular attention toward the U.S. Supreme Court. Recent projects focus on how crises (both war and economic) in the United States impact behavior by justices, the phenomena of counter-attitudinal voting by justices, and how the Court actively maintains relationships with the public.
My dissertation examines off-the-bench behavior by justices. Specifically, I question when and why justices choose to go public as well as the effects of this behavior on public opinion? These questions can assist in understanding how justices attempt to use the American public to accomplish their goals. To study this topic, I construct a novel dataset of every instance of a justice going public within the last twenty-two years. Overall, my dissertation speaks to important trends regarding communication by elite actors and how political institutions actively work to maintain a relationship with the public.
Teaching:
During my time at the University of Kentucky, I have taught a variety of courses. I have been the primary instructor for the following courses:
- PS372 (Introduction to Political Analysis, Spring 2022).
- PS360 (Politics of Law and Courts, Summer 2022; Fall 2022; Spring 2023).
- PS101 (Introduction to American Government, Summer 2023).
In addition, I have been a Teaching Assistant for these courses:
- PS465 (American Constitutional Law, Spring 2021).
- PS101 (Introduction to American Government, Fall 2020 & Fall 2021).
I am also enrolled in the Graduate School's Certificate in College Teaching and Learning. Through this program, I continue to work to refine my teaching skills and practices.
I earned my B.S. from East Tennessee State University, Summa Cum Laude, where I majored in Political Science with a double minor in Legal Studies and Sociology.
Fall 2023 Office Hours:
Monday: 2:15-3:15 PM
Thursday: 9:00-11:000 AM
