He received his doctorate in international relations from Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in 2010. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in politics and European history from Washington and Lee University and a master’s degree in European studies from Johns Hopkins University SAIS. Prior to his graduate work, he worked as a legal staff assistant in the United States Senate and as an English teacher in Prague, Czech Republic. His primary research interests are geopolitical theory, NATO security issues, transatlantic relations, U.S. foreign policy, and international diplomacy. His most recent publication is “Crafting a NATO Brand: Bolstering Internal Support for the Alliance through Image Management” (Contemporary Security Policy April 2014).