ABOUT | portfolio

I am a Distinguished Research Professor at the University of Cincinnati. My primary appointment is in Education and I am also an affiliate faculty member in Philosophy and in the Portman Center for Policy Solutions. I am also Senior Editor of the journal, Democracy & Education. I previously served as President of the Ohio Valley Philosophy of Education Society and the John Dewey Society.

As a philosopher of education, I use political philosophy to address pressing problems in schools and democracy. Most recently, those involve matters of censorship, polarization, populism, honesty, and political dissent. I am especially interested in issues of political agency, youth civic engagement, and educating for democracy in schools. I craft policies and practices aimed at improving citizenship education and helping citizens navigate contentious political situations across party lines.

My current projects respond to increasing political rancor and shifts toward authoritarianism. I am envisioning improved citizenship education that better enables students to navigate political divides and to more effectively engage in civic inquiry to solve social and political problems.

I have received the Distinguished Research Professor Award, Outstanding Professor Award, and the Excellence in Teaching Award. I have been recognized with the Jack Twyman Award for service learning and the Sarah Grant Barber Award for student advising.

I received the James and Helen Merritt Distinguished Award for Philosophy of Education, the John Dewey Society Outstanding Achievement Award, and the George Orwell Award for commitment to honesty in public language.