About me
I am an Assistant Professor in the Political Science Department at Bucknell University. I received my PhD in Politics and Social Policy from Princeton University.
I study American political behavior, race and ethnic politics, political psychology, and political communication, with a specific focus on Latino politics.
In my dissertation, “Misengaged, Not Disengaged: How Campaigns Persuade Latino Voters Using Economic Messaging,” I address why Latino voters have not shifted toward Democrats despite partisan polarization on immigration and racial issues. Using CMAG television ad data, I show that Latinos are disproportionately exposed to immigration messaging over economic and social-service topics. In three survey experiments with nationally representative samples, I find that immigration rhetoric tends to be more polarizing than persuasive, while economic and social-service messaging from either party has greater persuasive potential. Campaigning on and enacting such policies, I argue, may be the key to addressing disengagement among Latino voters.
Background
I received my BA in Political Science with a minor in Feminist Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Before then, I was born in Austin, Texas, where my parents met. I have since lived in California, New Jersey, North Carolina, Georgia, and now Lewisburg, PA. My dad’s family is Salvadoran and Anglo-American; my mom’s is French-Canadian. I am incredibly grateful for all of their love and support.
In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my cats (and other people, I guess), playing video games, reading fantasy and science fiction, and putting my heart and soul into karaoke nights.