I am an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Emory University. I received my PhD from the University of California, San Diego in 2006.

This fall, I am teaching International Conflict Resolution (POLS 311). I also teach classes on political methodology, nuclear weapons and third-party conflict management.

On the research front, I have three ongoing interests. First and foremost, I am interested in the political consequences and causes of international mediation. My book manuscript (in progress) explores how third-party conflict management frequently does well in securing short-term peace but also can contribute to greater instability in the long run.

In addition, I am working on two separate data projects focusing on the role of the United Nations as a conflict manager and preventer of international conflict. In one of these projects (UNIEvents), Holger Schmidt and I are compiling events data of UN activity in interstate crises. In another project, I am coding information on every UN Security Council resolution.

My research also empirically examines the effects of nuclear-weapons proliferation on conflict behavior. The goal is to consider why states pursue nuclear weapons, what the consequences are when they acquire the weapons, and what might be done to strengthen the non-proliferation regime.

Please follow the links above to find more information about my courses and research.