I was born and raised in Saint Paul, Minnesota and attended Loyola University Chicago where I majored in political science and minored in theater arts. After receiving my BA, I worked as the Midwest Field Organizer for J Street, an interest group seeking peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Following this work, I gained my Ph.D. in political science at the University of Minnesota before accepting a job as an Assistant Professor at Simmons University.

My passion for racial, economic, and social justice extends beyond my research and teaching. During graduate school, this passion led me to work with non-profits in the Twin Cities to promote more racially equitable banking practices. In Boston, I have joined the Scholars Strategy Network to ensure that my research is used to inform policymaking and advocacy. In addition, I serve as the Chair of the Devin Smith Scholarship Foundation, which provides financial assistance to graduates from my former high school, Saint Paul Central.

When I'm not busy with work or volunteering, I can often be found agonizing over the most recent losses suffered by the Minnesota Vikings or Minnesota United FC.