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Born and raised in Salem, Massachusetts, I have always been fascinated by religion in American culture. This led me to study religious studies and film studies at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin. At Lawrence, I worked in the film department and as videographer for many stage productions and the Opera department. My studies culminated in a thesis focusing on how Muslim comic books have been used to combat islamophobia in American culture.

After receiving my Bachelor of Arts degree, I completed Masters of Divinity and Theology degrees at Boston University. With a variety of academic and cultural interests, I’ve worked to make sure my scholarship allows me the flexibility to explore what I find particularly intriguing. My main research interests are in religion and early American history. Currently, my research focuses on enslavement and maritime history in early New England.

I currently live in Salem, Massachusetts with two cats (Loki & Steinway). I serve on the Unitarian Universalist Association Board of Trustees and as chair of the Salem Cultural Council. I can often be found sailing along the Maine and Canadian coast, reading, and playing music (singing, bagpipes, and Irish whistle, mostly).