My passion for sociology started at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Sociology along with a minor in Mathematics. I continued my education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where I earned my MA and strengthened my skills in sociological research. Over the past few years, I explored the art of teaching, first at a technical college in Southeastern Wisconsin, followed by three wonderful years teaching at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. And now, I'm excited to be joining the graduate program at the University of Iowa. My major research and teaching interests include criminology, juvenile delinquency, mental and phsyical health disparities, social networks, victimization, and substance use.