I am an Associate Professor of Political Science at Oklahoma State University.
I received my PhD in Political Science from the University of Minnesota and my BA from Washington University in St. Louis.
My research focuses on a wide range of topics related to law and courts, American political institutions, and civic education. I am especially interested in the process by which federal judges are nominated and confirmed and in investigating the role of oral arguments at the U.S. Supreme Court. I am also broadly interested in developing strategies for civic education courses that promote student learning and political efficacy.
My co-authored book, It's Not Personal: Politics and Policy in Lower Court Confirmation Hearings, examines how senators use lower court confirmation hearings to advocate preferred policies and increase their chance of re-election while also performing one of their core constitutional functions. My research has been published in American Politics Research, International Studies Quarterly, Judicature, Political Behavior, and Political Research Quarterly.