My research interests include American political institutions, public policy, and civic education. I seek to answer how unequal representation and scarce resources in American state legislatures affects policy innovation and diffusion in the U.S. federal system. I am also interested in how the policies set by state legislatures shape political and economic inequality. I am passionate about access to quality civic education in the United States. I have an active research agenda to better understand the conditions that promote student learning about politics, government, and democracy.