I am currently a PhD Candidate at Vanderbilt University studying American Politics. My research focuses on how gender shapes the judicial process and the causes and consequences of such gender differentials. I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with majors in Politics-Philosophy and French, minors in Economics and Theatre Arts, and a certificate in West European Studies. Inspired by an initial brush with legal research in seventh grade mock trial, I pursued my JD at the University of Chicago, where a love for academic research was born. My true passion is teaching, and I currently spend my summers teaching "A Crash Course in Law" with Peabody School's Program for Talented Youth. When not focusing on my research or my students, you can find me on the ball field playing softball or on stage performing in local community theatre productions.