Biographical Information:

I’m a native New Yorker from the land known as “Upstate” (or sometimes just “The Sticks”), where we had colorful autumns, cold winters, and a few modest-sized mountains. I’ve lived in some beautiful places: the Hudson Valley north of New York City where I grew up, and the Finger Lakes region of central NY where I attended graduate school. I also lived in Indiana for a few years, where there aren’t any mountains, but there are some beautiful parklands and even a waterfall or two. I’ve been at CBU since 2004.

Degrees:

Ph.D.: Syracuse University, 2001.
B.A.: University at Albany, State University of New York, 1987.

Teaching:

I’m interested in all areas of political science but my background is in world politics, especially foreign policy making, international law and the global environment. Within the field of American politics, I’m interested in Constitutional law, federalism issues, and the political role of news media and popular culture. Whenever possible in my classes I like to introduce culture as a political expression (movies, fiction, music, art). My two favorite courses so far at CBU have been Politics and Science Fiction, and International Law. Sometime soon I hope to teach US Foreign Policy, and maybe someday a course on the politics of space exploration.

Courses:

POLS 112 American Politics
POLS 113 World Politics
POLS 210 Comparative Politics
POLS 220 Politics and Science Fiction
POLS 370 International Law
POLS 375 US Foreign Policy

Research:

My primary research focus is the political side of science, technology, and environmental issues. Currently I’m working on a book on the US space program and an article on the politics of global climate change.

My most recent publications were:

• “Exploring Strange Worlds” [Book Review of Jutta Weldes (ed.) To Seek Out New Worlds]. International Studies Review (2004) 6, pages 123-125.
• “Entering the Space Station Era: International Cooperation and the Next Decade in Human Space Flight,” in W. Henry Lambright (ed.), Space Policy in the Twenty First Century. Johns Hopkins, 2003, pages 115-146.
  

My most recent conference papers were:

• “Negotiating the Space Station: Reflections on an N-Level Game,” International Studies Association, Montréal, Québec, 17-20 March 2004.
• “Erosion of Sovereignty? Legal Implications of Sea Level Change For Small Island States.” International Studies Association, Portland, Oregon, 25 February-1 March 2003.