Born in Saudi Arabia and raised in California, they attended college in South Carolina and Pennsylvania. They began their education at a community college before earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina Upstate. They also hold a Master of Arts in History from Villanova University and a graduate certificate in Political Science from Sam Houston State University.

With nearly 15 years of experience in higher education, they have worked at the University of South Carolina Upstate, Holy Family University in Philadelphia, and Oregon State University–Cascades. Their professional experience also includes public history, serving as a curator at the Upcountry History Museum and working in education at the Museum of the American Revolution.

Through family and travel from a young age, they developed a love of history. They are grateful to have built a career around that passion, which has taken them across the country. Outside of work, they enjoy traveling, photography, solo travel, good food, live music, theatre, and hiking. They also enjoy exploring the community with their dog, Gus, who is always ready for a road trip.