I'm from Bainbridge Island, Washington, but I received my BA and MA from the University of Iowa. You could say that I am a proud Hawkeye! My research focuses on the ways in which women and women's civil society organizations work together to empower themselves in contexts where they are otherwise unlikely to be heard. My dissertation looks at the country-level factors that lead to the presence of networks of women's civil society organizations during civil wars. It then examines how the characteristics of these networks impacts the organizations' ability to influence the content of the agreement and whether their demands are included in post-conflict institutions. I have had the opportunity to conduct fieldwork in Nepal for this dissertation and I am looking forward to going back.
In addition to my core interests of women's mobilization, my research includes a variety of projects including the effects of natural disasters on likelihood of conflict, government responses to natural disasters (both of which are a part of the Disasters, Migration, and Violence Lab with Dr. Sara Mitchell and Dr. Elise Pizzi), and women's role in facilitating positive peace in post-conflict countries. As a graduate student, my interests are constantly evolving and changing and I am so excited to continue researching how women respond to changing political and social environments.
I take a mixed-methods approach to my dissertation and my wider research agenda. I have made use of both quantitative and qualitative techniques to explore the answers to my questions and believe that doing so leads to a richer body of knowledge.
Beyond research, I love running, gravel riding, and throwing pottery. I am trying my hand at baking and have made a pretty decent cake or two. I've had the privilege to present my work virtually, and in Montreal, St. Louis, and Buenos Aires.