Research

My research focuses on the intersection of race, gender, and American politics, particularly the ways racial and gender stereotypes influence voter perceptions of political candidates. I examine both how voters evaluate Black women candidates and how candidates navigate these expectations through their political messaging and self-presentation.

My dissertation has earned multiple awards, including the Carrie Chapman Catt Prize for Research on Women and Politic s and the Ruth B. Mandel Dissertation Award from the Center for American Women and Politics.

My current research also extends to questions of descriptive and substantive representation, examining how Black elected officials advocate for their constituents within American political institutions.

Working Papers

Sexism and Stereotypes: Perceptions of Black Women Candidates

This project examines the role of sexism and gender stereotypes in shaping voters' perceptions of Black women political candidates. It contributes to research on intersectionality, voter evaluations, and the distinctive challenges Black women face in electoral politics.

Racism and Stereotypes: Perceptions of Black Women Candidates

A companion project examining how racial attitudes and stereotypes influence evaluations of Black women candidates. Together, these projects investigate related but distinct dimensions of bias in political candidate evaluations.

Stereotypes and Strategy: Gendered Language and Self-Presentation in the 2024 California Senate Election

This research examines how candidates navigate gendered expectations through their campaign communication and self-presentation, focusing on the 2024 California U.S. Senate election.

Presented at the Midwest Political Science Association Annual Conference, April 23, 2026.

Collaborative Research Projects

Legislating While Black: How Black Florida Lawmakers Set the Agenda

With Dr. Paige Pellaton (Cal Poly San Luis Obispo) and Moya Allen (University of North Florida).

This mixed-methods project examines how Black state lawmakers and legislative staff navigate policymaking, develop legislative agendas, and advocate for constituents in the Florida Legislature. Combining qualitative interviews with quantitative analysis of legislative records, the study investigates the relationship between descriptive and substantive representation under institutional and partisan constraints.

Selected Conference Activity

2026

Midwest Political Science Association (MPSA) Annual Conference

Paper Presentation: "Stereotypes and Strategy: Gendered Language and Self-Presentation in the 2024 California Senate Election"

Panel Discussant: "Gender and Political Parties"

2025

Western Political Science Association (WPSA) Annual Conference

Paper Presentation: "Stereotypes and Strategy"

2024

American Political Science Association (APSA) Annual Meeting