Research Interests

My research situates itself squarely at the intersection of American political institutions and studies of the process theory. Specifically, my most recent interests concentrate on the ability of racial and gendered identity caucuses to promote issues of interest onto the legislative agenda.

My research examines the role of race in the shaping of American institutions including exploring questions concerning descriptive representation, the role of race-centric identity groups in Congress, and the impact of race in the federal court system. 

Elements of race permeate virtually every decision made at local and national levels, every piece of legislation enacted, every policy adopted, and every vote cast in America. I seek to explore how and why marginalized groups are impacted by these decisions.

Immediately following the 2008 election, a new era of suppressive voting legislation arose. I explore the impacts of existing policy decisions as well as the potential effects of strengthening electoral policies at the federal and state levels.