I believe that the fundamental function of a university professor is to produce and transmit knowledge through scholarly activities. In addition to research and publishing, I truly believe that teaching and mentoring are crucial and ultimately the most enriching parts of our profession. Good teaching, like good research, aims to bridge the gap between theory and the world around us. I embrace these opportunities to inspire and motivate those around me while bridging this gap.

Be ready to work hard and learn about new places and ideas! I look forward to seeing you as a participant in my courses soon.

In addition to being a Professor at Soka University and a faculty member of the Graduate School of International Peace Studies (SIPS), I am also a research partner with the Centre for Global Criminology at the University of Copenhagen. Previously, from 2013-2018, I was an Assistant Professor with the Department of Political Science and Centre for Resolution of International Conflict (CRIC) at the University of Copenhagen. Additionally, I was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at Oklahoma State University from 2008-2013 and a Visiting Instructor in the Government Department at Connecticut College from 2006-2008.

Regarding my academic background, I received my Ph.D. in political science from the University of California, Davis. I also have a B.A. in political science from the University of California, San Diego, and an M.Phil. (DEA) in political science and African studies from the Institut d’Études Politiques and the Centre d'Études d'Afrique Noire in Bordeaux, France.