About Me |
This fall begins my sixth year of teaching at the university level in Political Science. I will also begin working on my dissertation in anticipation of completing all requirements for a Ph.D. in Political Science within the next 2 years. I am committed to teaching and producing high-quality scholarship to advance understanding of the political processes that shape everyday lives. I believe that learning does not stop at the classroom door, but is a life-long endeavor.
My background is somewhat diverse. After completing my Bachelor's of Arts degree at the University of Arkansas I worked as a private banker and later, corporate trainer for a regional bank group. I also served on staff of one of the largest churches in Arkansas before returning to the university for a Master's degree. Upon completion of the Master's degree, I came to Georgia in pursuit of a Ph.D. in Political Science.
My primary area of interest is judicial behavior and inter-branch relations involving the courts. I am currently working on two projects in addition to my dissertation. Both are collaborative pieces. Justin Moeller and I are using spatial models of Congress / President / Court ideology to predict behavior of blocs of justices appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court. In another work co-authored with Cathryn Costello, Fellow and Tutor in EC and Public Law at Oxford University, I examine the use of amicus curiae briefs in the U.S. Supreme Court and the European Court of Justice.
In addition to my academic life, I am also a member of Oconee Street United Methodist Church where I often sing in the church choir, serve at Our Daily Bread, and teach the adult Bible Study.