I grew up in Virginia and Florida, and I received my B.A. in International Affairs and History from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA.  I also have a Masters in Middle Eastern History from George Mason University, and a Masters in Government from the University of Texas at Austin, in addition to my Ph.D from Texas. 

Before deciding to get my Ph.D, I worked in politics for a number of years in Washington, DC.  In my free time, I enjoy playing golf, fly fishing, road biking, and playing with my dogs. I also collect antique maps, particularly those with “Unknown” or “Unexplored” written somewhere on them.  My wife works in healthcare and we have one child.