One major motivation behind my research is a skepticism toward narrow views of the criminal law that suggest we should only criminalize intentional or reckless harm. Instead, I argue that while criminal law primarily deals with harm and offenses, it can—and often should—include other considerations that reflect broader social values.

These ideas play out in areas like negligence and hate crime laws, which the latter half of my dissertation focuses on. I delve into negligence to show that our expectations for standards of care vary based on a person’s role in society—why, for instance, we expect more from doctors and parents. Hate crime laws, on the other hand, are interesting for how they reflect our collective stand against societal injustices, though I’m also interested in the challenges they pose regarding the realities of punishment in the United States.

Outside of my dissertation work, I also have a number of side projects. I am interested in legitimate political authority broadly and its expression by private actors like corporations, especially in the digital era. I’ve presented work in social media ethics and environmental ethics. I also am interested in the history of philosophy and ideas and have a paper drafted tracing the idea of mens rea in criminal law back to Augustine of Hippo's sermon on perjury and forswearing. Most recently, I have written a now-forthcoming piece on AI and teaching, based upon a panel I participated in at the Prindle Institute.”