I am a Professor of Political Science and Director of The Dr. Robert E. Witt University Fellows Program in the Honors College at The University of Alabama. My research interests lie in the areas of health policy and gender politics. See my CV and Research page for more detailed information about my publications and current research projects.
In Fall 2022, I began a joint appointment in the Honors College after serving as the Director of the Master of Public Administration Program for three years and, prior to that, two and a half years as Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Political Science.
In Political Science, I enjoy teaching a wide variety of courses to undergraduates and graduate students. Recent courses include a PhD seminar in State Politics and Policy, Quantitative Methods for MPA students, and The Politics of Health Policy for upper-level undergraduates. My teaching in Honors College focuses exclusively on Fellows and includes courses on the causes and effects of poverty, leadership, and research.
I am passionate about international travel, professionally and personally. I founded and direct a Study Abroad program - UA in Germany: Policy, Politics, and Culture. I work on a USAID-funded grant with a small team of UA faculty and administrators to provide workshops and training to women professors in Pakistan to strengthen the Pakistani higher education system. I also regularly travel to Cuba with Witt Fellows for a week-long study abroad trip. I especially enjoy treks and recently completed El Camino de Santiago de Compostela. I am looking forward to tackling the Tour du Mont Blanc in 2025.
I have three amazing kids who have more interests and talents than I can name, but a few include baking cakes that could be featured in magazines, horse-whispering, running, playing tennis, analyzing data, creating music, singing, and much more.
205-348-4911