I teach and write about public policy in the United States. My research is focused on the dynamics of rights in American democracy, particularly how the politics of rights influences how public policy is made. Put another way, my work is primarily concerned with how Americans think and talk about constitutional rights and what rights “do” in the policy process.

I am currently chair of the department of political science and teach a variety of courses in political theory, American politics, and public policy. I also handle pre-law advising across the college and the American politics and political theory minors.

In my courses, I like to run simulations, inspire creative projects, and send students on adventures beyond campus, but what I love most is sitting in a seminar room or the student union and talking with students about an interesting text or idea.

I live a block and a half from Randolph with my partner, Molly Boggs, who works in the office of student success at the College. We have two kids and a striped cat named Sweet Dee. We enjoy comedy, music, gaming (card, board, and video), and gardening.