Background
I joined the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa after serving as an Assistant Professor in the Master of Public Administration program at Auburn University. Originally from Massachusetts, I served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Nicaragua before working as a political campaign organizer in the United States and teaching in South Korea, Turkey, and Colombia. These international experiences have shaped my commitment to culturally grounded and community-centered approaches to public policy and nonprofit management.
Education
- PhD, Public Affairs, Indiana University, 2024
- MS, Public Policy, University of Arizona, 2017
- BA, Journalism, University of Massachusetts, 2005
Courses
- PUBA 629: Public Policy and Advocacy
Specializations
Policy analysis, nonprofits, international development, social programs, civil society organizations, health, and education.
Research
My research examines the impact of social service provision by both governmental and nongovernmental organizations, with a particular focus on how public, nonprofit and civil society organizations shape health and education outcomes, democratic governance and participatory decision-making, especially for vulnerable populations in low-income and marginalized communities. Most of my research focuses on low- and middle- income countries.
Community Engagement
Community engagement is central to both my teaching and research. I believe the most effective public policy and nonprofit solutions are developed in partnership with the communities they are intended to serve, not simply for them. My research emphasizes meaningful community participation throughout the research process, ensuring that local voices help shape research questions, program design, and the interpretation of findings. In the classroom, I integrate service-learning and community-engaged projects that allow students to apply theory to real-world challenges while building lasting partnerships with nonprofit and public organizations. I believe it is vital to create opportunities for students to learn alongside communities, develop as engaged public servants, and contribute to projects that generate tangible benefits for community partners.