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Absolutely everything has a history. That simple fact is one of the main reasons I choose to study, and teach, this subject. Being a historian allows me to connect my love of languages, music, economics, archaeology, technology, and more by focusing on big questions about how we got to our present from our past. Holding a Roman coin, studying a medieval manuscript, looking at pamphlets and political cartoons from the French Revolution, or reading the letters from a World War I era soldier all fill me with the wonder of touching the past and exploring the threads that connect our stories to the societies in which these items were created. 

I have a passion for sharing this wonder with my students and for making the past accessible. I believe that each student brings a unique perspective, and a unique voice, to the table. We are all inspired to ask our own questions of the past. Through the texts we read, the artifacts we explore, the films we watch, and the conversations we have I look forward to uncovering the past together.

My academic areas of interest include medieval and early-modern Italy/Europe, Ancient Rome, economic and environmental history, first-year university education, digital literacy, Open Educational Resources, and digital humanities. 

In my life beyond the University, I love walking and playing with my dog, cooking, gardening, reading, singing, and listening to music.

In recent years I have been honored to receive three teaching awards. In 2021, I received the  which is given for, "... tremendous and exemplary efforts to improve ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Boulder students’ learning experiences through open educational practices." In 2022, I received the ASSETT Excellence in Teaching with Technology Award which recognizes "a record of excellence in teaching with technology, as well as demonstrated commitment and leadership in furthering ASSETT's mission of advancing teaching and learning within ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ's College of Arts & Sciences." In 2023 I received the BFA Excellence in Teaching and Pedagogy Award which, "recognizes the vital importance of teaching and mentoring students as significant components of faculty duties that are central to the university’s mission." You can see more about these awards, and learn about some of my teaching practices, by following the links provided.

You can see more about my current projects through this link: