A Brief History
I grew up in Traverse City, Michigan (United States), located in the northwest region of Michigan's lower peninsula. I became interested in philosophy when I was in high school and began questioning my ethical and religious beliefs. I knew then that I wanted to study philosophy academically and become a philosopher so that I could inspire others (through my writing and teaching) to examine their beliefs just as I was learning to examine my own.
I double-majored in Philosophy and Environmental Studies at Oberlin College. Outside of my classes at Oberlin, I spent four years involved with Oberlin's student cooperative system including two years living and working in a vegetarian co-op. I was also involved with student activism, promoting animal rights, environmental, and social justice causes.
When applying to grad schools for philosophy, I wanted to study somewhere that I could pursue my interests in applied ethics. I chose Bowling Green State University's program in applied philosophy. At BGSU, I studied under R.G. Frey and wrote my dissertation on the moral status and mental lives of animals. I was also fortunate to have Professor Tom Regan (emeritus at North Carolina State University and the author of The Case for Animal Rights) serve on my dissertation committee. I was the first member of my family to earn a graduate degree, and just the second (after my older brother) to receive a Bachelor's degree.
Currently I am an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Marywood University, where I have been teaching since 2013.
I double-majored in Philosophy and Environmental Studies at Oberlin College. Outside of my classes at Oberlin, I spent four years involved with Oberlin's student cooperative system including two years living and working in a vegetarian co-op. I was also involved with student activism, promoting animal rights, environmental, and social justice causes.
When applying to grad schools for philosophy, I wanted to study somewhere that I could pursue my interests in applied ethics. I chose Bowling Green State University's program in applied philosophy. At BGSU, I studied under R.G. Frey and wrote my dissertation on the moral status and mental lives of animals. I was also fortunate to have Professor Tom Regan (emeritus at North Carolina State University and the author of The Case for Animal Rights) serve on my dissertation committee. I was the first member of my family to earn a graduate degree, and just the second (after my older brother) to receive a Bachelor's degree.
Currently I am an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Marywood University, where I have been teaching since 2013.
