I grew up in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, and went to school there until receiving my PhD in sociology at the University of Pittsburgh. Sociology as a discipline is sensitive to power relations, and how they operate within a society. As sociologists we raise awareness for how social structures are susceptible to change. Through maintaining a focus on human rights and civil liberties, the academic world perhaps embodies our society’s highest ideals with respect to issues involving diversity, fairness, and inclusion of all perspectives. In the courses that I teach I strive to maintain an open atmosphere of tolerance and respect among students, towards all points of view and ideological positions. I embrace social and cultural diversity, and view it as an opportunity to learn something about how others experience their life worlds, and use it as a gauge for how I see myself.My research is in part focused on intentional spiritual communities. My work as a qualitative researcher has brought me into intimate contact with individuals from many cultural backgrounds. Living with people for extended periods as a participant observer, sharing in their unique community experiences, has been an invaluable means for gaining insight into otherwise hidden ways of life. From these experiences I have learned to be both considerate towards my participant’s needs, and mindful of their gifts. I bring this mindfulness into the classroom as well, in part by helping students to do this sort of research. Through lectures and classroom exercises, I aspire to communicate to my students the deep awe and understanding I have for subcultures and communities. But also I hope to evoke in them the same sense of joy and wonder that comes from studying people in their natural milieu.I'm also a musician, I play guitar, flute and keyboard. I enjoy trips to the beach and spending time in nature, avidly hiking and backpacking in the laurel highlands. I enjoy creating art, especially watercolor paintings of nature scenes. I'm an environmentalist and do everything I can to minimize my carbon footprint.