I came to Radford University in August of 2006. I currently teach courses in Research Methods, Diversity in Criminal Justice and Crime, Law and Justice. I also serve as the faculty advisor for the Criminal Justice Student Club. My research interests focus on a number of issues within criminal justice and criminology. My immediate work explores firearms and American culture. I am also interested in the implications of diversity issues and crime and criminal justice policy. Each year I attend and present my research at national conferences.

Originally from the small town of Waxhaw, NC, I received my undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice with a dual major in Sociology from UNC - Charlotte. I went on to do my Master’s degree work there and finalized a thesis that examined the application of Merton’s classic strain theory to female delinquency. Following my time at UNC-Charlotte, I moved to upstate New York to pursue my Ph.D. at the School of Criminal Justice at the University at Albany. My dissertation research focused on the accessible storage of loaded firearms.

In my extremely limited personal time, I enjoy reading anything by Stephen King and spending time with my family. My husband, Ryan and I enjoy life with our two beautiful daughters, two cats, and a crazy dog.