Areas of Teaching Interest
- International Relations
- Comparative Politics
- American Politics
Education
- Ph.D. in Political Science, Northern Illinois University, May 2003
- MA in Political Science, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, December 1994
- BA in Political Science, University of Illinois-Chicago, August 1992
Areas of Research Interest
- Transnational components of democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean
- Latin American Politics
- U.S. Foreign Policy
- International Regimes
- International Relations theory
Current Projects
- Currently examining the promotion of democratic norms by regional organizations in Latin America and the Caribbean. My recent focus is on CARICOM and the Haitian experience. This research is an extension of previous work on the Organization of American States and the promotion of procedural democracy in Latin America.
- I am developing a course in U.S. foreign policy and hoping to develop additional classes in the future.
Professional Affiliations
- American Political Science Association
- Latin American Studies Association
- Midwest Political Science Association
Recent Courses Taught
- Introduction to Political Science
- American National Government
- International Relations
Selected Publications, Presentations, Books
- Peru Encyclopedia of Global Perspectives on the United States. Berkshire Publishing Group. June 2005 publication date.
- U.S. Relations with Latin America and the Caribbean, Exploring Global Perspectives on the United States. Berkshire Publishing Group. September 2005 publication date.
- Scheduled Presenter at Mount Allison University workshop on the transnational dimensions of democracy in Latin America. June 2005.
- Conference participation at the Latin American Studies Association, Midwest Political Science Association and American Political Science Association 1998-present
- "Mexico". World Encyclopedia of Political Systems and Parties Fourth edition. Schlager Group; Congressional Quarterly. April 2005
- "Peru". World Encyclopedia of Political Systems and Parties, Fourth edition. Schlager Group; Congressional Quarterly. April 2005
Fellowships, Grants and Awards
- Global Studies Research Grant recipient, University of Wisconsin- Madison, July 2004
- Part-Time Dissertation Completion Fellowship Award. Northern Illinois University. Graduate School 2001-02
- Center for Latin American Studies Travel Grant, 2000
- Center for Latin American Studies Travel Grant, 1999
- Northern Illinois University, Graduate School, Graduate Colloquium Committee 1999
Professional Travel
- Research Trip to Peru, July, August 2000
- Research Trip to Peru, August 1999
Professional Activities-Other
- Regular Contributor Naperville Sun. Naperville, Illinois
- 2004 election contributor WDCB. Glen Ellyn, Illinois.
- Regular contributor to WCLO. Janesville, Wisconsin
- Regular contributor to the Janesville Gazette, Janesville, Wisconsin
- Model UN Advisor 2003-04, Beloit College
- Organizer, Spotlight on Latin America 2002-03, Beloit College