I am an Assistant Professor of Teaching in the Irvin D. Reid Honors College at Wayne State University. I research and teach about social movements, labor politics, and authoritarianism, with a regional focus on the Middle East and North Africa.
My current research project focuses on the intersection of neoliberalism, authoritarianism, and social movements in Jordan and the Middle East. In my ongoing book project, “From Hegemony to Mobilization: Activism under Authoritarianism in Neoliberal Jordan” (under advance contract with Syracuse University Press, Modern Intellectual and Political History of the Middle East series), I explain how marginalized insider groups—particularly public sector workers—become motivated and empowered to mobilize under politically repressive conditions. My research has been published in Comparative Political Studies, the International Review of Social History, Interventions, The Middle East Report Online, and the Project on Middle East Political Science (POMEPS).
BACKGROUND
I earned my Ph.D. in Political Science from Wayne State University in 2021. I also hold a M.A. in International Security from the University of Denver, and a M.S. in Political Science from Portland State University.
Before returning to Wayne State, I held teaching appointments as an Assistant Instructional Professor in the College at the University of Chicago and as a Visiting Assistant Professor at the University of Massachusetts Boston in the School for Global Inclusion and Social Development. I have taught courses across the social sciences and humanities, including courses on global development, human rights, Middle East politics and history, political theory, and research methods. I am also a committed mentor and advisor, having advised many students’ research projects, master’s theses, and scholarship applications (e.g., Fulbright). I have also developed and taught courses and workshops in research design and writing.
Beyond research and teaching, I’m an avid consumer of movies and television as well as nerdy writing about both. When I venture out of the office or my apartment, I enjoy rowing, travel, and I’m always in search of the perfect pour-over.
Professional appointments
2024-Present. Wayne State University
Assistant Professor of Teaching, Irvin D. Reid Honors College
2022-2024. University of Massachusetts Boston
Visiting Assistant Professor, School for Global Inclusion and Social Development (SGISD)
2021-2022. University of Chicago
Assistant Instructional Professor, Social Sciences Collegiate Division
Education
2021. Ph.D. Political Science | Wayne State University
Fields: Comparative Politics, Political Theory, World Politics
Committee: Sharon F. Lean (Chair), Kevin Deegan-Krause, Paul V. Kershaw (History), Jillian Schwedler (CUNY Hunter College and The Graduate Center)
2014. M.S. Political Science | Portland State University
2009. M.A. International Security | University of Denver
2007. B.A. History | Florida State University