Teaching and research focus
Public policy, public administration, environmental policy and politics

What’s your academic and professional background?
My PhD is in political science from Texas A&M University. Before attending graduate school, I worked at the National Geographic Society in Washington, D.C.

What current research projects or initiatives are you working on? How do you hope they contribute to the field and address real-world challenges?
Right now, I spend a lot of time thinking about tap water quality and how people's relationship with tap water echoes their relationship with government.

What personal experience inspired you to study urban planning/public affairs?
When I worked in the nonprofit sector, my salary was paid for by private grants and my co-workers' salaries were paid for by federal grants. This got me really curious about the relationship between nonprofits, private companies, and government.

What excites you most about your work?
I love working with students! It's great when a team can see how the work we're doing impacts the real-world.

What advice do you give students who are just starting their journey in planning or public affairs? 
There is something to learn from every professional experience.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? 
Gardening, cooking/baking, hanging out with my cats

What’s your favorite music genre or era of music? 
My favorite music matches the seasons. It's fall right now, so I'm listening to a lot of Dispatch, Noah Kahan, and Red (Taylor Swift).

What’s the best book you’ve read lately? 
Carrie Schuettpelz’s book, The Indian Card! It's so good!