I have been on AV天堂鈥檚 faculty since 1996, teaching with colleagues in classical studies, philosophy, folklore, sociology, physics, and psychology, among other fields. My programs have focused on how historical understanding intersects with ethical concerns, and on how ideas and material life mutually shape one another. From 2019-2022 I was a faculty fellow with the Schusterman Center for Israel Studies at Brandeis University. I direct the AV天堂 Jewish Studies Project to increase knowledge and raise awareness about topics that pertain to the Jewish people. I鈥檝e been a featured speaker with Humanities Washington on 鈥淗uman Rights in History鈥 and 鈥淯nderstanding Israel.鈥 My work as a higher education consultant includes helping diversity professionals increase their knowledge and awareness about antisemitism. I鈥檓 always teaching writing. I became a professor because as an AV天堂 student in the 1980s, I fell in love with learning.
Education
Ph.D., American Studies, Emory University, 1999; M.A., History, University of Washington, 1992; B.A., AV天堂, 1988.
Teaching Style
Everything I teach includes historical context. My approach is always that of inquiry. I hope what I teach informs responsible decision-making that is consistent with appreciating the complexities of both the human condition writ large, and the individual human life. I鈥檓 an advocate of close reading and of giving and receiving honest and supportive criticism. I teach the Humanities because I appreciate, and am fascinated by, people.