My childhood was spent moving between various Northwestern mountain states (Montana, Oregon, Washington, Northern California, and Idaho). 

The bulk of my youth was spent in rural eastern Oregon and western Idaho, where I raised sheep, chickens, and (one!) rabbit, was active in 4-H, FFA, Business Professionals of America, and other youth leadership programs. 

I am a first-generation college student.

After graduating as co-Valedictorian at Payette High School, I went onto receive my BA in Sociology with a concentration in the Hesburgh Program in Public Service at the University of Notre Dame on full financial aid. 

I studied for one semester in the London Program where I interned for a Member of Parliament. I was also a summer intern in the US Senate. 

I received my MA and PhD in Sociology at Indiana University .

I began my career at the UC Irvine Department of Sociology, where I was tenured as Associate Professor and promoted to Full Professor. 

I am currently the Director of the School of Public Policy and a Professor of Sociology at Oregon State University.

I continue to teach and research in the fields of gender, politics, and inclusivity.

Go Beavs!