Research

My research focuses on collaborative approaches to problem-solving, public trust, and advancing social equity in both the criminal justice and public education systems. Deeply committed to educating and inspiring future public sector leaders, my research agenda is guided by my commitment to the next generation.

My research contributions include publications on education and equitable service delivery, with a quantitative focus on constructing survey instruments and analyzing large datasets. My dissertation, “Three Essays Exploring Trust in Law Enforcement,” uses qualitative and quantitative methodologies to understand trust between public workers and the community, particularly in the context of recent events related to police brutality and the social unrest that followed.

I am an Assistant Professor of Public Administration at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. I hold a Ph.D. in Public Administration from North Carolina State University, as well as an M.P.A. and a graduate certificate in Arts and Cultural Management from the College of Charleston. I also a degree in Documentary Studies and Production (B.A.) from Ithaca College. My work as an academic and public servant is driven by the desire to generate insights that inform both study and practice of public policy and management.

I have served as the editorial assistant of the Journal of Public Affairs Education. Currently, I serve as a Chair of the American Society for Public Administration’s Section for Women in Public Administration and Vice Chair of Section for Public Affairs Education. I am also a member of my local ASPA chapter and was named a 2020 ASPA Founders Fellow.

I have diverse experience in regional planning, higher education, and nonprofits in the public sector. Notably, I contributed to the North Carolina Workforce Development Leadership Initiative, developing and implementing a professional training program for leaders in workforce and economic development, leading to the Certified Workforce Developer designation. 

Most recently, I worked for Central Pines Regional Council, a member-driven organization connecting communities and enhancing strategic outcomes through regional policy, collaboration, and technical assistance. As part of the Member Support & Strategy Team, I supported ongoing initiatives, improved public sector workplaces, facilitated data-driven decisions, and leveraged federal and state policies. This work is based on the belief that our region prospers when we unite with a shared vision and plan for the future.

To read more about my work, I provided my CV below. 

More recent updates can be found on LinkedIn and Google Scholar.