I am a historian of modern North Africa and France, studying the intersections among environment, colonialism, urbanism, and technology. My work examines environmental knowledge and spatial perceptions, analyzing how these abstract notions translate into attempts to remake built and natural environments. In addition to my work in French colonial history, I also have backgrounds in Russian and Central Asian history, as well as an interest in the environmental history of the American West.
As a historian with many years of secondary teaching experience in both public and private school settings, I teach courses and oversee candidates in the social studies teacher preparation program at SUNY Cortland.
I also currently serve as the Deputy Editor of Environment and History, a journal published by The White Horse Press.