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 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 campaign
advertisements and media reports about politics.
I am also interested in public opinion generally, with
projects that examine wealth effects on economic voting,
the dynamic relationship between party identification and beliefs about the size and scope of the federal government, and the ability of clear policy information to reduce partisan bias.
Recently, my work with Melanee Thomas, Allison Harell, and Tania Gosselin (as part of my post-doctoral work at the University of Calgary) has shifted to examine the influence of gender and gender stereotypes on the psychology underlying perceptions of candidate competence.
I enjoy teaching course 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 daughter (Rosie) 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
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)
Media and Politics
Polarization in America
Political Participation
Political Psychology of Mass Behavior
Power and Politics in America: From the Halls of Congress to the West Wing
Race and Ethnicity in America
Research Methods in Political Science and Health
U.S. Federal Government and Politics
U.S. Parties, Groups, and Elections