Environmental Governance & Policy Innovation
I'm an associate professor in the Division of Politics, Administration & Justice at Cal State Fullerton, where I investigate the complex intersections of environmental policy, institutional design, and technological innovation. With a Ph.D. from Auburn University, my research spans watershed governance, energy policy, environmental justice, and emerging technologies in public administration.
Research Trajectory
My work examines how institutional arrangements shape environmental outcomes across various domains. Beyond collaborative water governance, I'm exploring energy policy impacts in fossil fuel regions, the spatial distribution of environmental risks, and how technological innovations like blockchain and real-time crime centers transform public sector operations.
This interdisciplinary approach allows me to investigate critical questions at the intersection of technology, governance, and environmental systems—from how data transparency affects regulatory performance to how multi-agency collaborations tackle complex climate challenges.
Academic & Professional Context
At Cal State Fullerton, I teach courses in public administration, policy analysis, and collaborative governance while advising Pi Alpha Alpha and Pi Sigma Alpha honor societies. My teaching integrates research with practical applications, helping students understand the real-world implications of policy decisions.
Originally from the American South and now based in Southern California, I bring diverse regional perspectives to my work in environmental policy and institutional analysis. When not researching or teaching, I enjoy exploring California's landscapes and maintaining connections to Southern cultural traditions through The Bitter Southerner and similar publications.
Current Projects
My current work examines multiple dimensions of environmental governance, from analyzing watershed management effectiveness across the U.S. to investigating how energy policy shapes environmental justice outcomes in oil and gas regions.
I'm also breaking new ground in studying how public safety agencies implement surveillance technologies and exploring how blockchain applications might enhance transparency in collaborative governance frameworks. This diverse portfolio reflects my interest in how institutions adapt to social, environmental, and technological changes.