As a specialist in early modern European history, my research has focused on connections among religion, law, politics, and memory, especially in the context of French Calvinists (Huguenots) and their history.  My current research interests include rituals of public apology and reconciliation, both early modern and modern; travel narratives; and teaching about the Age of Enlightenment.  I received my B.A. in History magna cum laude from Pomona College and graduate degrees in History (M.A. and Ph.D.) from Yale University.  After teaching at Stanford University and the College of Charleston I joined the Department of History at Colorado State University in 1993.  I served as department chair from July 2009 through December 2013 and returned to full-time faculty responsibilities in Fall 2014.  My teaching repertoire includes courses on Western Civilization; Renaissance and Reformation Europe; the Age of Enlightenment; Early Modern France; Women and Gender in Europe (1450 - 1789); and undergraduate and graduate seminars. Outside of work I enjoy reading detective fiction, listening to country music, and travel.

In Fall 2025, I will teach HIST 317 / Renaissance and Reformation Europe and HIST 621 / Graduate Research Seminar:  International, focusing on travel writing and travel narratives.  In addition, I serve as Chair of the College of Liberal Arts Curriculum Committee and as the College's representative to the University Curriculum Committee.