Education
Ph.D., Colorado State University, Sociology & Certificate of International Political Economy, 2016
M.A., University of Nebraska at Omaha, Sociology, 2004
B.A., University of Iowa, Sociology, 1997
Departments
Academic Programs
Biography
How did you discover Western?
Desire to teach at a liberal arts college in a mountain community. I grew up in a small community in rural Iowa, and Gunnison offers a similar sense of community, but with mountains. Upon graduating from Colorado State University, I wanted to stay in Colorado, and Western Colorado University offered an opportunity to do so.
What are some of the highlights of your career?
- 2017 Constance Coiner Award for Best Dissertation, Working Class Studies Association (WCSA)
- 2016 Young Scholars and Activists Initiative Award, Working Class Studies Association (WCSA)
- 2014 New Generation Award, United Association of Labor Educators (UALE)
- Having my research featured by National Public Radio’s “This American Life: Our Town” (Broadcast No. 632)
What most excites you about your field?
The continuous opportunity to explore our ever-changing world. The discipline of Sociology allows me to explore a multitude of social phenomena from a number of different perspectives. It never gets old.
What is your favorite thing about the Gunnison Valley?
The community and the outdoors.