Academic Research

Before I worked in industry, I was an academic researcher. My work spanned diverse fields—from genocide studies to the sociology of sport—but all of my projects were united by a central question: how does human behavior unfold within social contexts, and what does that reveal about communities, identity, and belonging?

Through this lens, I designed and carried out large-scale surveys, conducted in-depth interviews, and analyzed patterns of behavior and community dynamics. My academic work not only advanced sociological theory but also demonstrated practical relevance, informing conversations in media, classrooms, and public forums.

Doctoral Dissertation

A Different Kind of Neutral Zone: Exploring Sports Fan Communities as Sites of Political Tolerance in an Era of Division, PhD Dissertation, The Ohio State University (2025)

My dissertation explores the relationship between sports fandom and political tolerance, focusing on how cultural institutions shape perceptions of others’ ideologies relative to one’s own. Using surveys of 30,000+ respondents, 20 in-depth interviews, and ethnography (particpanty observation), I create an understanding of how fan communities, identity signaling, and group boundaries influence attitudes toward out-group ideologies. In doing so, I demonstrate how fan communities can foster tolerance in unique ways.

Much of the quantitative data used in my dissertation came from a collaboration with Fox Sports and Dexterity Consulting. Here, you can view a presentation given to executives at these companies where I provided actionable insights based on my findings and introduced an original concept for a fan-focused app: a platform that helps fans locate restaurants or bars to watch games while connecting with like-minded supporters.

Selected Publications

When Kids Hitting Each Other Is Okay: Examining U.S. Adult Support for Youth Tackle Football Social Currents, 2022

This article, co-authored with Dr. Chris Knoester, examines U.S. Adults’ opinions on the appropriateness of tackle football for kids and has been featured on WebMD, US News & World Report, Vox, and The Hill in addition to receiving local and national cable news coverage. I also was invited to speak about the work on WOSU 89.7 NPR News and write an opinion column for The Columbus Dispatch.

Abstract: Using U.S. survey data (N = 3849), this study examined recognized sports-related mistreatment, investigated risk factors for it, and offered descriptive evidence of types of mistreatment and reasons for mistreatment. Logistic regression analyses emphasized social structural characteristics, childhood contexts that included youth sports experiences, and social and sport contexts in adulthood as predictors of mistreatment. Findings highlight that sports-related mistreatment is common. Evidence suggests greater risks for mistreatment for males and individuals who identify as a sexual minority, have health problems or disabilities, and have dealt with weight-related stigma and pressures. It also seems to be more common among those who are less popular and less athletic while growing up. Although sports-related mistreatment frequently occurs in various settings and contexts, elite sport contexts and more competitive settings may be more prone for mistreatment. Overall, these results suggest that the structures, cultures, and interactions surrounding sports need to become more focused on enhancing positive development, safety, inclusivity, and participant well-being.

Does Sport Bring Different Racial/Ethnic Groups Together? Examining US Adults’ Beliefs and the Impact of Youth and Adult Sport Experiences, Sociology of Sport Journal, 2025

Abstract: This study uses National Sports and Society Survey (N = 3,993) data and regression analyses to investigate the racial/ethnic diversity of sport participation experiences, perceptions of the impact of one’s athletic experiences, and beliefs about the effectiveness of sports in bringing different racial/ethnic groups together. We find that people overwhelmingly believe that sports bring different racial/ethnic groups together. Also, most individuals believe that their athletic experiences improved their understanding of people of other races and backgrounds. Although racial/ethnic diversity in sport seems to matter, subjective perceptions of the effects of one’s athletic experiences on understanding people of other races and backgrounds are more closely connected to one’s general beliefs about sports bringing different racial/ethnic groups together.

Considering Person-First Language in Genocide Studies Journal of Perpetrator Research, 2024

Draws on interviews with 165 incarcerated individuals in Rwanda to show how language shapes reintegration, identity, and public perception.

Broader Impact

Methodological Breadth: Designed projects using mixed methods—surveys, interviews, observational analysis—to capture both quantitative patterns and qualitative depth.
Public Communication: My findings have been featured in podcasts, local news, and classroom settings, showing my ability to make research accessible beyond academia.
Throughline to Industry: Whether examining genocide survivors or sports fans, my focus has always been on understanding how people engage with each other and with institutions—a perspective I now apply in UX, market research, and people analytics.