I am currently an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Hope College and a Visiting Fellow at the Center for Philosophy of Science at the University of Pittsburgh. I earned my Ph.D. in philosophy as well as my B.A. in philosophy and theology from the University of Notre Dame. My research is primarily on topics in philosophy of cognitive science & psychiatry, and bioethics. Much of this research is multi-disciplinary and integrally involves my undergraduate research students! See more about my research and public philosophy & speaking.

 

I am also passionate about teaching philosophy, both inside and outside of traditional university settings - and about increasing community engagement in philosophy. In addition to community-engaged courses at Notre Dame and Hope College - I have also taught courses through the Moreau College Initiative at Westville Correctional Facility, the Calvin Prison Initiative at Handlon Correctional Facility, and South Bend's Center for the Homeless. I am also currently teaching in Hope-Western Prison Educational Program at Muskegon Correctional Facility. See more about my teaching and community engagement in philosophy.

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Outside of philosophy, I am a visual artist and actively involved in my Grand Rapids community - including the local branch of the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI). I also serve as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children in the foster care system in Kent County.