Professional focus: I hold a Bachelor of Arts in history and in biology from Kenyon College and an M.A. and a Ph.D. in history from Rice University. I previously served as an assistant professor of history at Cal State Chico and the University of Oregon.
I teach American Society, Past & Present, Honors Global Societies & Sustainability and Honors American Crime & Punishment. I also coach WSC JV soccer and VWS softball.
Scholarly or professional activities: I am working on a book that examines the legal and social dynamics of temporary bondage in Virginia after the colony’s turn to chattel slavery in the late 17th century. I am also co-editing a collection of essays that explores unfreedom in the early modern Atlantic world.
Grew up: Chardon, Ohio
Live on campus: yes
Favorite music or musician/band: Almost anything from the 1990s.
Favorite book or author: It’s difficult to narrow it down, but two books that have stuck with me in recent years are Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi and The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai.
Favorite TV show or movie: Queen Sugar is one of the best shows on TV.
Typical Saturday routine: Saturdays vary, but they almost always start with a long run. From there, my partner and I (and our family when they come to visit) might go for a hike, explore LA or just hang out.