Education

2013 - Ph.D., Purdue University
2009 - M.A., Purdue University
1992 - MSc, University of Oslo
1987 - B.A., St. Olaf College

I was attracted to Saint Anselm College because of its strong commitment to academics and the liberal arts. In my classes I seek to challenge students to think more deeply and critically about political issues and to give students the tools they need to analyze political events. I came to academia later in life than most professors and prior to getting my doctorate spent many years working with dialogue and conflict transformation efforts in conflict areas including in the former Yugoslavia, the North Caucasus and Central and East Africa. In addition to this I have lived most of my adult life in Norway and have traveled to many countries of the world. I bring this international experience to both my teaching and research.

I teach a range of courses in international relations and comparative politics including the required introductory courses as well as more advanced courses on political violence, international political economy, and human rights. I also teach the department's required research methods course and the introductory environmental politics course.