Research

My research focuses on young people and their engagement with American politics, particularly the role that schools and political institutions play in shaping their opportunities to participate. Much of my current work takes place at Georgetown University's Civic Education Research Lab (CERL), where I help evaluate civic education programs and explore ways to strengthen civic learning.

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Civic Education

Through my work at CERL, I study how civic education programs help students develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to participate in their communities. I'm particularly interested in project-based and place-based approaches that connect classroom learning to the world outside of school.

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Selected Research: JMLPE Final Report, CERL Projects, yearbook lesson

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Media Literacy and Political Communication

My work in this area explores how young people navigate political information and how media literacy can strengthen civic education. I'm also interested in how political campaigns communicate with younger audiences, including through platforms like TikTok.

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Selected Research: Civic Media Literacy, 2024 presidential campaign TikTok study

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Youth Politics and Representation

My research also examines how young people are represented in American political institutions, from political parties to state legislatures. This includes questions about political influence, policy priorities, and the opportunities younger generations have to shape political decisions.

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Selected Research: The Kids' Table at the Party, youth representation in state legislatures

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Research in Practice

I also enjoy finding ways to make research useful beyond academic journals. This includes bringing researchers and educators together, translating findings for broader audiences, and developing resources that connect research to classroom practice.

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Selected Work: CERL Substack, We the People National Symposium proceedings, affective polarization convening proceedings

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