My parents and I at a local football game.
Contrary to popular belief, I am not named after the famous Alabama football coach; my mom just really loves animals and bears were a natural choice for her.
I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia and got my undergraduate degree at the University of Kentucky in Lexington before beginning my graduate career in Columbus.
I have a wide range of personal interests that I enjoy outside of academia. I enjoy going on hikes and exploring trails, and one of my goals is to visit all the national parks in the U.S. Of the ones I have been to so far, Badlands, Zion, and Bryce Canyon are my favorites.
I also enjoy diving into the world of video games. My passion for video games extends beyond casual entertainment. I am particularly drawn to the intricate design elements, complex narratives, and innovative mechanics that characterize contemporary titles. Further, I connect this to my American politics interests by tracking how members of Congress discuss video games and related policy proposals, implicating a larger conversation about how Congresspeople talk about nascent political subjects. My favorite games are The Witcher 3 and Elden Ring, but I play a variety of games to keep things fresh. I also organize dynasty and franchise leagues for myself & friends in Madden 25 and College Football 25.
I love watching the Buckeyes on Saturday and the Browns on Sunday, and I will watch basically anything that has a competitive element to it. Whether it’s Sunday Night Football or competitive tag, I will be watching and cheering.
The beginning of a trail in Zion National Park.
Trying not to freeze on a Badlands trail.