When I'm not researching or teaching about American Politics, I can be found travelling, cheering on TCU athletics, skiing (on snow and water), rockhounding, hiking, playing table tennis, and making progress on my missions to visit every: U.S. state (achieved), major league ballpark (14/30), and National Park (32/63).

I grew up in Elgin, Illinois and remain a fan of Chicago professional sports teams. I have also lived in Fort Worth, TX,  Sydney, Australia, Washington D.C., and now Stillwater, OK.