ABOUT ME
My research focuses broadly on political behavior, public
opinion, and political communication. Specifically, I'm
interested in how differences in voters' traits and identities
affect reactions to information from campaigns or the media.
My research examines individual differences in race, gender,
partisanship, racial attitudes, sexism, and personality traits
(including the Big Five and the Dark Triad), among other
predispositions. I study how these aspects of voters change
their understanding of the American political landscape.
I am currently working on a project examining the role that social
identities play in shaping individual's beliefs about the federal court system.
We use a variety of survey and experimental data to show that trust and legitimacy in the federal judiciary is contingent both on aspects of descriptive as well as substantive representation. We also investigate how anti-egalitarian attitudes (such as sexism and racial resentment) influence support for court decisions, perceptions of judicial bias, and trust in judges and the system.
Other projects include work on the influence of gender and gender stereotypes on the psychology underlying perceptions of candidate competence, a project studying the differential effects of racial resentment and white identity on candidate evaluations, and an investigation of the underlying political and psychological causes of raced-gendered gaps in congressional fundraising.
I enjoy teaching courses on a variety of topics in American politics. My classes combine contemporary readings with an eye towards practical skills. Depending on the course, my students can be found producing campaign materials for congressional candidates, composing fact sheets for local non-profits, debating the positive and negative consequences of political polarization, or even making paper airplanes to better understand hypothesis testing!
Outside of the classroom, I enjoy Ultimate Frisbee, golf, fishing, and playing with my kids (Rosie, Ezra, and Felix) and dog (Hazel). If I'm not in my office, it's a good bet that I'm outside, hopefully doing something fun.
EDUCATION
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Social Identities
Racial Attitudes
Gender Stereotypes
Public Opinion
Political Behavior
Political Psychology
Political Communications
2009-2015
University of Minnesota
Ph.D. Political Science
2003-2006
Macalester College
B.A. Political Science summa cum laude
COURSES TAUGHT
Fake News, Conspiracy Theories, Social Media: The Changing Media Landscape (Senior Capstone)
Introduction to U.S. Politics
Media and Politics
Polarization in America
Political Inquiry
Political Psychology of Identity
Political Psychology of Mass Behavior
Power and Politics in America: From the Halls of Congress to the West Wing
Public Opinion and Political Behavior in the U.S.
Race and Ethnicity in U.S. Politics
U.S. Parties, Groups, and Elections