Assistant Professor

Curriculum Vitae

EDUCATION/ DEGREE(s):
Ph.D. Political Science; University of California, Riverside.
M.A. Political Science; University of California, Riverside.
B.A. Political Science; California State University, Northridge.

COURSES IN HIS REPERTOIRE:
Governments and Politics of Africa
Latin American Politics
Comparative Politics
International Relations
Political Violence
The Military and Political Development
Governments and Politics of Europe
US Government and Politics

INNOVATIVE/ NOTEWORTHY TEACHING PROJECTS:
I am developing a course on human rights.

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS YOU RUN:
Advisor – Pi Sigma Alpha

CURRENT RESEARCH:

2007 “Post Colonial African Political and Economic Development: A Comparative Analysis” This paper is currently being prepared for submission to the Journal of Contemporary African Studies.

2007 “Transitions from Resistance Movements to Political Parties in Africa and Latin America” for presentation at the 2008 Midwest Political Science Association Conference, April 3-6, Chicago, Illinois.

2007 “Democratic Expansion in Sub-Saharan Africa” for presentation at the 2008 Western Political Science Association Annual Meeting, March 20-22, San Diego, California.


RECENT PUBLICATIONS/ CONFERENCES/ PRESENTATIONS:

2006 “Democratization in Sub-Saharan Africa: Progress & Retreat” presented at the 2006 Midwest Political Science Association Conference, April 21-23, Chicago, Illinois.

This study combines multivariate cross national time series analysis and case studies to examine democratization trends in the region and provide in depth analysis of several countries that have exhibited an expansion of civil liberties and an opening of their electoral systems. Meanwhile other cases illuminate ways in which leaders have managed to put democratic veneers on regimes which are in reality highly un-democratic and have utilized a wide array of tactics to effectively close the political system and limit the civil liberties of their citizens.

2006 “Post Colonial African Political and Economic Development: A Comparative Analysis” presented at the 2006 Western Political Science Association Annual Meeting, March 16-18, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

This project uses new data and seeks further understanding of variances in political and economic development in Sub-Saharan Africa.

COMMITTEES (W/IN, OUTSIDE UNIV.):
Niagara University
2007 – Chair - search committee for full-time tenure track American Politics position
2007 – Member - search committee for one-year International Relations replacement position
2006 - Chair - Africana Studies Minor
2006 - Member – Latin American Issues Committee

University of Minnesota
2005 Member – Multi-Ethnic Experience Committee
2003-05 Member - International Programs Committee
2003 Member - Minority Student Program Director Search Committee
2002 Member - International Programs Committee
2001-06 Member - Latin American Area Studies Committee
2001 Member - Minority Student Program Educational Coordinator Search
Committee

American Political Science Association
2003 - Member of the Committee to Award the Prize for the Best Book on Racial/Ethnic Politics Published in 2002, for the Race, Ethnicity, and Politics section of the
American Political Science Association.
2002 - Member of the Committee to Award the Prize for the Best Book on Racial/Ethnic Politics Published in 2001, for the Race, Ethnicity, and Politics section of the
American Political Science Association.

HOBBIES/ OTHER INFO:
I love playing and watching sports especially football and basketball. I am a long time fan of the Raiders and the Lakers. I also enjoy traveling and watching movies.