I am currently a postdoctoral research associate in the Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame. I am also the managing editor of the journal Studies in Comparative International Development, and an Editorial Distinction Award recipient for 2025 and 2026. I earned my PhD in political science at the University of New Mexico, where I was a Latin American and Iberian Institute PhD Fellow.

My research combines intersectional theory and innovative methodological approaches (qualitative and quantitative) to address inequities in political and economic development in countries across the world. This includes questions about women and empowerment, environmental justice and health inequalities, decision-making and access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH), and violence against marginalized leaders during times of crisis.

Theoretically, I use an intersectional, comparative lens while examining complex social problems, especially those pertaining to women’s unequal social status globally. Methodologically, I utilize a spectrum of analytical tools to offer empirical evidence that can advance our understanding of these issues.

In my spare time, I like to hike whenever possible (also the origin of many of the pictures featured here! The two on this page are from the Southwest Virginia part of the Appalachian mountains, where I grew up).