I joined the Social Sciences faculty in 2018 after teaching at Queens College for
nearly ten years. I grew up in a New Jersey suburb and received my Ph.D. from the
City University of New York, located right across the street
from the Empire State Building. If you are ever planning a trip to NYC, I'm happy
to help you find the best pizza, as long as you save me a slice.
Goals for Students
First, you should know that the study of political science, namely power, goes beyond the formal institutions of governance like Congress or the mayor’s office. It is relevant to our everyday lives: in our interactions with people in our workplace, communities, and even our family. Political science is important for everyone, from majors and minors to those lucky ones taking the required (but exciting) course on American Government.
Second, I want you to be better researchers and consumers of news. In the era of misinformation, fake news, and something called “narrowcasting,” it is crucial that one can get reliable information and practice critical thinking and analysis. It will enable you to be better informed and even better participants in our democracy.
Activities
You’ll see me around a lot. I sponsor the Political Science Student Organization, a non-partisan group that helps with voter registration efforts, holds Election Night Watch Parties and professional development workshops, and hosts special events. For instance, we held a commemoration of the twenty years since 9/11, and we often invite candidates and other public figures to speak on campus.
I also created and currently sponsor Phi Sigma Alpha’s Alpha Mu Gamma chapter here on campus, the country's premiere Political Science Honors Society. They have opportunities to present research across the country and win scholarships, but I am most proud to induct new members, as I was once inducted as an undergrad.
I also look for ways to get involved, like sharing my expertise during the “Votes for Women” centennial celebration of the 19th Amendment. I have also helped many students prepare for Oklahoma Research Day and present research at professional conferences. I’ve also been happy to be interviewed by the Southwestern student news site.
In other words, if you come up with a good idea, you can probably convince me to help you.
Sample of Courses Taught
- American Government and Politics
- Principles of International Relations
- Political Theory
- International Organizations
- Comparative Politics
- The Road to Equality
- Theories of War and Conflict
- Political Parties
- The Internet and Politics
- Area Studies in Comparative Politics
- Model UN
Research
Broadly speaking, I am an international relations scholar and political theorist.
My research centers on the internet and politics, particularly about human rights and the issue of access in the face of persistent digital divides. I am working on projects about how to teach information and news literacy better, how the transition to virtual learning affected students in the context of the digital divide, and the effects of social media on the Russo-Ukraine War.
I am active in the American Political Science Association and participate in their conferences across the country and the Midwest Political Science Association at the famous Palmer House in Chicago.
Educational Background
Ph. D., Department of Political Science, CUNY Graduate Center – Dissertation title: Internet Access and Freedom: Constructing and Reacting to Transnational Norms about Internet Diffusion and Use
M.A., Department of Political Science, William Paterson University of New Jersey
B.A., Department of Political Science, William Paterson University of New Jersey
Professional Affiliations
- American Political Science Association
- International Studies Association
- Midwest Political Science Association