She earned a Ph.D. in Political Science from Brown University. Her previous research was published in Ethnic and Racial Studies and Nationalities Papers, among other sources. Her ongoing research is driven by questions about the conditions under which cultural traits become foundations of politicized collective identities and conditions under which political violence occurs. She is currently working on a project exploring the relationship between collective memories and violence against civilians for which she received an ACA (Appalachian College Association) grant. She is also working on a collaborative project examining party patronage in post-communist democracies.