I grew up in Alaska, near Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER – just outside of Anchorage). I began my academic career at West Point (2005-2008) and then transitioned to Washington College in Maryland for nine years (2008-2017). In 2017 I joined the USAFA faculty.. I enjoy working with and mentoring cadets, with a goal of inspiring in my students’ curiosity, intellectual risk-taking, compassion, and motivation to affect positive social change. I have been honored to receive numerous awards for innovative teaching and teaching effectiveness, as well as for significant contributions to the field of military sociology through research and service.

My areas of specialization are in military organizations and social psychology. I am also trained in survey research methodology and program evaluation.

Beyond teaching and research, I use my expertise in service to my discipline, my community and to various military organizations, both domestic and international. I have served on the Council of the Inter-University Seminar on Armed forces & Society, an international and interdisciplinary organization. For the last 20 years, I have co-organized a military mini-conference at the Eastern Sociological Society annual meeting, hosting nearly 300 talks and creating opportunities for academics, policy makers and students to share their work. Previously, I served as Chair for the American Sociological Association’s Section on Peace, War & Social Conflict. My work with the NATO research group on the integration of civilians in military organizations culminated in the adoption of my protocol as a best practice model by the eleven participating nations.

Ph.D., University of Maryland, College Park, MD (2005)

M.A.,, University of Maryland, College Park, MD (1997)

B.A., Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT (1993)

Outstanding Academy Educator Award, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO. (2022)

Teaching Excellence Award, Department of Behavioral Sciences & Leadership, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO. (2019)

Academic Impact Award, Department of Behavioral Sciences & Leadership, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO. (with Dr. Karin DeAngelis and Capt Elizabeth Blair) (2019)

Finalist: Innovative Teacher of the Year, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO. (2019)

Curricular Innovation Award – Documentary Filmmaking course, Washington College, Chestertown, MD. (2013)

Commander’s Award for Public Service, Department of the U.S. Army, West Point, NY (2008)

Phi Kappa Phi award for Excellence in Research: West Point Chapter (2008)

Top 40 Under Forty Movers and Shakers of the Greater Hudson Valley, NY: Greater Southern Duchess County Chamber of Commerce (2008)