I believe in the teacher-scholar model; someone who is fully dedicated to both the instruction and mentorship of students and who found fulfillment in examining the critical problems that plague our political systems: racism, classism, lack of civic engagement, unequal representation, etc.. My research interests shape the courses I offer. From Introduction to American Government and Politics to Suburban Politics, students in my classes are challenged to examine the very same questions that I grapple with every day in my scholarship. 

Beyond the influence of my substantive research interests, my love to actually “do” political science also informs my courses. Whether I am teaching Concepts and Methods in Political Science Research or Minority Representation, I incorporate opportunities for students to get hands-on experience in the art of “doing” Political Science. This approach to teaching—emphasizing the instruction of both substantive material and the critical skills used in this field—embodies the teacher-scholar model and is my primary focus in all of my courses.