Beginning in Fall 2026, I will be an Assistant Professor of Political Science at The University of Texas at Arlington. From 2017 to 2026, I was an Assistant Professor of Political Science in the School of Economic, Political, and Policy Sciences at The University of Texas at Dallas.
My research centers on American political behavior, with particular emphasis on the social and psychological roots of political decision-making. I study how the people we know, the places we live, and the information environments we inhabit shape political views and choices.
One of the central findings of my research is that people often “choose to be changed” by actively selecting into social environments that influence their political views. This suggests that politics can shape our social choices even when we are not thinking about politics directly.
My research uses a range of methods, including longitudinal studies, experiments, surveys, and network analysis. My work has appeared in The Journal of Politics, Political Behavior, Research & Politics, American Politics Research, and other outlets. More information, including my full curriculum vitae and ongoing research projects, can be found here.
I received my Ph.D. and M.A. in Political Science from The Ohio State University and my B.A. in Government and English from The University of Texas at Austin. Hook ’em Horns and Go Bucks!