I am a researcher, evaluator, lawyer, and program manager with nearly two decades of experience in international law and development. Currently, I am a Ph.D. student in Planning, Governance, and Globalization and a Ridenour Fellow at the Virginia Tech School of Public and International Affairs, and the part-time Asia/Pacific Program Director at the American Bar Association Center for Global Programs. I have subject-matter expertise in public international law, civil society strengthening, justice systems, governance, and human rights, with particular focus on freedom of religion and belief and the rights of religious, ethnic, and cultural minorities. With a professional background spanning four global regions, I have deep experience working with civil society and the justice sector, particularly in the Maldives and Sri Lanka. My current research focuses on religion and governance, religious nationalism, minority and Indigenous rights, social movements, and how laws and legal movements can support civil society.

Previously, I was a foreign assistance programs director leading a portfolio of human rights, justice systems, and civil society strengthening programs in South and Southeast Asia. Before that, I led an international change management fellowship for justice-sector professionals, supported global justice system strengthening projects as a researcher and evaluator, and practiced as a human rights lawyer in the Americas. I have also taught undergraduate and graduate courses in law and public policy. I hold a J.D. and LL.M. in international human rights law from the University of Notre Dame and a B.A. in international studies and French from the University of Denver. Outside of academia, I am a group fitness enthusiast and an instructor for HIIT, strength, and sculpt classes, and I also volunteer with animal rescue and immigrant rights organizations in my community.