Professional Experience
A summary of Professional Experience in and out of Political Science
US Air Force Veteran
2003-2025 Aircrew Instructor Evaluator
Retired after 22 years in the United States Air Force, I served as an MQ-9 instructor evaluator, developing leadership, discipline, instructional skill, operational judgment, mentorship, and a mission-focused approach to solving complex problems under pressure.
Awards
2025 - Meritorious Service Medal
2013 - 2020 Aerial Achievement Medal x21
2019 - Professional NCO of the Year
2018 - Instructor of the Year
Classroom Teacher
2025-Present East Bay K8 School
With two years as a substitute teacher and two years as a full-time science teacher, I developed classroom leadership, instructional planning, adaptability, student engagement, mentorship, and a mission-focused approach to supporting student growth.
Research Artifacts
Buying Influence: Super PACs and the Evolution of Political Power in America
This artifact examines how Super PACs reshaped American elections by expanding political spending, empowering wealthy donors, increasing negative advertising, and contributing to deeper polarization in modern campaign politics.
President Obama’s Balance of Federalism and State Independence
This artifact examines how President Obama balanced federal authority and state independence through healthcare, education, and immigration policy, showing how federal incentives shaped state decisions without fully removing state control.
Education and Crime: Understanding the Effectiveness of Education on the Incidents of Crime
This artifact explores how education, literacy, and self-perception connect to crime prevention and recidivism, arguing that stronger schooling and inmate education can reduce future incarceration and support rehabilitation.
The Widening Gap
A Capstone theory piece proposing a model for measuring institutional resilience in pluralistic societies. It bridges scholarly research with practical policy recommendations for strengthening democratic structures.
Academic Rigor & Scholarly Reflection
This critical reflection examines my academic growth, professional experiences, and personal development throughout the program, highlighting how research, feedback, and applied learning strengthened my writing, critical thinking, leadership, and understanding of political science in real-world contexts.