Biography

A number of great Midwestern states have been my home for the past 15 years, and I have enjoyed studying and teaching at public and private institutions across 4 of them. With Evanston next door to the third largest city in the United States, I have enjoyed exploring the different museums, gardens, and zoos during my free time. I am equally at home, however, in Kentucky and Tennessee where I am fortunate to enjoy the forested hillsides, tranquil lakeshores, and winding country lanes. 

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Naturally, culture is important to a “cultural historian,” and my interests run the gamut. I have eclectic tastes in music but also enjoy a little decompression time at my own upright grand too. Films ranging from Cold War Sci-Fi flicks to the newest horror remake also provide a nice reprieve from more cerebral pursuits. Additionally, I am a devoted follower of both Olympic cycles, the FIFA World Cup (minus the vuvuzelas), tennis and diving world tour events.

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My outdoor pursuits include photographing the local flora and fauna or enjoying views of the constellations and moon from my lakeside perch. Over the years, I have developed an interest in folkways gardening on the one hand and the globalization and expansion of American cuisine on the other. When I need a reprieve from a long day of teaching or writing, I enjoy creating in the kitchen.

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My home page outlines my diverse training, pedagogical perspective, and teaching and research interests, but below you can click and receive my teaching philosophy and current CV. Check the dedicated "courses" and "research" pages for more detailed descriptions of courses I have designed or for information on my research projects. My blog will slowly fill with musings on historical pedagogy and practice, cultural history, and public history engagement.