About Me

I am a professorial lecturer in International Relations at American University, School of International Service. My research focuses on issues of peace and conflict. I research non-violent conflict (civil resistance), especially in relation to other forms of resistance, such as violent and self-violent tactics, and conflict transformation. This research has centered primarily within India, but incorporates cases from around the world. My research has been supported by the United States Institute of Peace, International Center on Nonviolent Conflict, and the Peace and Violence Lab (American University).

In terms of philosophy of science and research methodologies I am a pluralist and pursue multiple approaches. My background includes extensive training in quantitative methods and a variety of qualitative approaches, including discourse analysis and process tracing.  My PhD is from American University, School of International Service, and my M.A. in Conflict Resolution is from Antioch University Midwest. Before beginning a PhD program I spent five years teaching and working in Indonesia through Mennonite Central Committee, a peace and development nonprofit.