I’m an educational researcher and experienced science educator exploring how stories and experiences create meaningful learning. My research focuses on an approach to experiential education that centers on emotional resonance as a key driver of engagement, understanding, and action. Drawing from phenomenology, psychological distance, construal-level theory, place-based education, and narrative transportation, I study how we can shape educational experiences to feel closer, more urgent, and more real.

I’m currently at West Chester University where my dissertation looks at the idea of secondhand experiences - like stories told through documentaries and great narratives - and how they can traverse psychological distance and connect students more deeply to socioscientific issues, especially when first hand experiences aren’t an option. At WCU I also support faculty in research on AI in education, experiential learning, and place-based pedagogy.

Before stepping into academia full time, I spent nine years teaching Math, Science, and STEAM which grounds my research in practical application. My teaching philosophy centered on making phenomena accessible and engaging students in socioscientific dialogue.

Outside of research, I’m a father of four, an ice hockey coach, an amateur photographer, and a curriculum advisor helping non-profits design engaging, mission -driven educational programming. Feel free to explore my site to see what I’m working on or reach out through the form below. I’d love to connect!