Welcome to my research page! 

           As a scholar, I sit at the intersection of comparative politics and international political economy with particular attention paid to development studies. In my dissertation, I consider the distribution of foreign aid and the factors which determine where it is distributed. Demand-driven theory suggests that aid is allocated based on recipient need whereas supply-side theories suggest that donor preferences dictate where aid is abundant and where it is absent. Political supply-side theory looks at the geo-strategic factors that drive donors to select into some settings over others. Practical supply-side theory considers how donor organizations function and the barriers which they face when working in challenging or conflict-affected areas. 

            In addition to my substantive scholarship, I am also interested in pedagogical research. My work here is twofold. In one research agenda I look at transfer into the social sciences from California's community colleges and the particular barriers faced by underrepresented groups. My other pedagogical research is oriented around undergraduate engagement in academia and the publication process with specific attention paid to the role research assistantships can play in breaking the academic pipeline and involving first generation and BIPOC students in academia. 

           For a list of my current and pending publications, check out my CV.