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. Living next door to the third largest city in the United States while at Northwestern was amazing, and I enjoyed exploring the different museums, gardens, and zoos Chicago had to offer. 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." I am particularly fond of Russian novels, Southern Gothic tales, and critical theory. My eclectic musical tastes are often found interlaced in the weeks of my syllabi, and I enjoy introducing students to opera, impressionistic music, atomic-era barn dance, and punk protest songs. Decompression time at my own upright grand is fulfilling too. Films ranging from Hitchcock and Cold War Sci-Fi flicks to the newest horror remake also provide a nice reprieve from more cerebral pursuits. I also greatly enjoy following both Olympic cycles, the FIFA World Cup, and tennis and diving competitions.

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My outdoor pursuits include photographing the local flora and fauna, documenting the architecture of fading landmarks, and enjoying views of the constellations and moon from my gorgeous lakeside perch. Over the years, I have also developed an interest in folkways gardening on the one hand and the globalization and expansion of American cuisine on the other. There is something restorative about growing your own food from seed and preparing it in exciting new ways 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 scroll to see an abridged version of my CV. Check the dedicated "courses" and "research" pages for more detailed descriptions of courses I have designed or for information on my research projects!