I attended the Barrett Honors College at Arizona State University where I earned dual degrees in English Literature and Political Science, graduating a year early. I am originally from a small town outside Youngstown, Ohio. I spent what would have been my senior year completing an undergraduate Public Policy program at Georgetown University and working in the Civil Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. While at the Justice Department, I gathered evidence for indictments and worked primarily in the Office of Consumer Litigation, which handles cases on behalf of the FTC, FDA, NHTSA, and CPSC. Currently, I live on Capitol Hill and I work for the Consumer Product Safety Commission, where I am a Legal Affairs Specialist in the Office of General Counsel. I investigate cases where there is suspected fraud, focusing mainly on foreign imports. I author reports and evaluations of fraudulant materials and make recommendations regarding product safety to the Department of Justice.
I have been involved with both Georgetown and Arizona State's Mock Trial organizations. Most of my best college memories are from competing with my two wonderful Mock Trial teams. Mock Trial is a fantastic competitive activity that educates students on some of the finer points of public speaking, critical thinking, and rules of evidence. Students prepare both sides of a case problem and compete throughout the year by holding simulated trials. Teams of six students face teams from other schools at tournaments held around the country. Trials are judged by local attorneys and judges who volunteer their time and expertise for the benefit of student competitors. I would like to thank Injury Board for its generous sponsorship of Sun Devil Mock Trial. Without the support of the legal community, this activity would not be possible for undergraduates.
In addition, I volunteer as a church cantor on the weekends and as an interim coach and judge for my high school speech team whenever I am home. I am also in the process of founding a high school speech and debate team here in Washington. Next year, I hope to begin a Master's program in Human Rights or English Literature.
