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I am a PhD candidate in the Department of Political Science at the University of Chicago, specializing in International Relations. My dissertation, tentatively titled “Do Words Matter in International Relations? Diplomatic Rhetoric and Credible Signaling,” examines the production and dissemination of diplomatic rhetoric, and how the words that diplomats choose can send intentional, credible signals between states. In 2022-23, I am in Seoul, South Korea conducting field work for my dissertation through the Fulbright Program.

My research interests include: diplomatic rhetoric, public and cultural diplomacy, soft power, South Korean politics and social issues, and U.S.-Korea relations.

In addition to academic publications, I was a regular contributor to the Korea column for The Diplomat for three years, and have also written about Korean social issues for other outlets including Foreign Policy, NPR, and the Carnegie Endowment. I speak regularly on these issues as well, including for organizations like The Korea Society and the Center for American Progress.

Before pursuing my doctorate, I was Director of Communications at the Korea Economic Institute of America (KEI). I previously lived for two years in Cheonan, South Korea as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant. I earned a Master of Science in Foreign Service degree from Georgetown University in 2015, and a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2011.