Biography

I am a Ph.D Candidate in the Department of Government and Politics at the University of Maryland, College Park, where I study American political institutions, democratic representation, and political communication. Before attending UMD, I graduated from East Carolina University with a bachelor's degree in political science. My research focuses on the relationship between government and the public, particularly how Congress and the presidency communicate with citizens, respond to public priorities, and shape American democracy over time.

My dissertation, What Government Says and Does: Representation of Public Priorities in Congress and the Presidency, 1973–2024, asks a simple but important question: How do government institutions represent the public? While political scientists have traditionally measured representation through legislation and policy outcomes, I argue that political speech is also an important form of representation. By comparing congressional and presidential speeches with public opinion and legislative action over the past five decades, I seek to better understand how democratic institutions respond to the concerns of the American people.

More broadly, my research agenda centers on American political institutions, especially Congress and the presidency. I am interested in political representation, political communication, and the long-term development of democratic institutions. My work also examines topics such as congressional rhetoric, bipartisan cooperation, and historical institutions that shaped American political development. Across these projects, I seek to better understand how institutions evolve, how they communicate with citizens, and how they contribute to democratic governance.

Teaching is one of the most rewarding parts of my career as a political scientist. At the University of Maryland, I have served as Instructor of Record for multiple sections of Introduction to American Government and have developed courses on Politics and Music, Politics and Film, and American Social Movements and Protest Movements. My goal in the classroom is not to tell students what to think, but to provide them with the knowledge and analytical tools to think critically about politics for themselves. Whether students pursue careers in public service, law, journalism, or fields outside politics, I hope they leave my classroom with a stronger understanding of American government and a greater appreciation for democratic citizenship.

Outside of my research and teaching, I enjoy exploring the connections between politics, history, music, film, and public speeches. These interests frequently inspire both my research and the courses I teach, and they reflect my belief that politics is not confined to government institutions alone—it is deeply connected to American culture and everyday life.