Education

  • Ph.D., M.A. Cornell University
  • M.A. The University of Oxford
  • M.A. Georgetown University
  • B.A. The University of Pennsylvania

Background

I developed an interest in the Middle East during two undergraduate study abroad programs in Senegal and France. Since then, I have lived and researched in many countries in the region, and studied various topics from medieval Islamic and Jewish philosophy to contemporary social movements. My most recent research looks at the spread of revolutions from one country to another and the role of emotions for collective mobilization.

I have published several book chapters on the Arab uprisings and spent a considerable amount of time interviewing protesters in Egypt, Syria, and Yemen. I am deeply committed to field research and I am looking forward to helping students navigate their study abroad programs and any research they may conduct abroad.

Prior to coming to Davidson, I taught political science courses at the American University in Cairo, and was a research analyst for sub-Saharan Africa (especially the Sahel) for Freedom House.

Teaching

  • Introduction to International Relations
  • Politics of the Middle East
  • Political Islam
  • Research Methods
  • Social Movements