I received my doctorate in 2004 from the University of Missouri, where I specialized in folklore studies and American literature. Since coming to Snow College in 2005, I have taught a range of writing and literature, folklore, and myth classes and have been involved with service learning and the honors program. Currently, I am the chair of the English & Philosophy Department. I am also a former board chair of Utah Humanities.
My research interests are varied, and I have published on Mormon folklore and history, nineteenth-century American literature, and composition pedagogy. I also enjoy being in the classroom and partnering with students in the learning process. Most of all, I enjoy exploring the power of stories--both literary and everyday ones.