Biography

I am a PhD candidate in comparative politics and research methods at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In my dissertation I use a variety of statistical methods and causal identification strategies to study the relationship between governance, voter preferences, and elections in Ghana.

I have over five years experience using R to conduct quantitative analysis and data visualization. I have conducted and presented the results of projects using panel data analysis, machine learning (LSTM and BART), Bayesian measurement methods, and modern identification strategies (including regression discontinuity and difference-in-differences).

I analyze a variety of different types of data in my work, including large-scale survey data. I have also collected and compiled novel data sets from administrative records.

I have substantial experience teaching quantitative analysis using R at UW–Madison, both in-person and remotely. The course is Political Science 270: Understanding Political Numbers, which focuses on two primary learning outcomes: 1) literacy in statistical and causal inference, and 2) using R to conduct statistical analysis/data visualization. I am lecturing this course for the second time in Fall 2020.

My regional expertise is in the US and Africa and I have conducted field research in Senegal and Ghana. I received my BA in political science from Seattle University (2011). Before beginning my PhD I served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Madagascar (2011-2013).