I am a PhD candidate in political science at Purdue University.  I specialize in American politics with a focus on party systems, elections and partisanship. 

My dissertation looks at the effect of economic change on sub-national party systems.  Specifically, I analyze how the loss of coal mining and manufacturing industries and loss of associated labor unions, has affected local party systems in the Appalachian regions of Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.  Using mixed methods, I find that the decline of these industries has resulted in party system volatility as seen in changing voting behavior, increased independent party affiliation and decreased voter turnout. 

I have a Master of Arts degree in political science from the University of Akron, a Master of Public Administration degree from the Ohio State University and Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Heidelberg University.