His training includes a BA from the University of California at Santa Barbara, an MA from the University of Montana, and a PhD from the University of Oregon. He has studied in Salamanca, Spain and Canterbury, England. In addition to modern and contemporary literature, he teaches world literature, special topics, and honors courses featuring intersections between science and the arts. He has significant experience as a former director of university writing programs and is keenly interested in rhetoric and composition. He has directed the UVU London study program on several occasions.