Curriculum Vitae
Scholar of Islamic History
In 2014, I accomplished one of the greatest dreams I could have ever dreamed. I grew up a poor, black kid who never believed I could finish college, much less excel at a premier university. My dissertation was a narratological study of al-Tabari’s History wherein I argued for new methods to analyze contemporary political and religious thought.
Policy Advisor
I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to study and work throughout the Middle East. I lived with fundamentalist Muslims in Egypt, Syria, Yemen, and Jordan. In the midst of my studies, I used those experiences to help the United States rewrite its policies. I worked with senior military, diplomatic, and academic personnel to reconsider how the U.S. should engage its partners in the Middle East and Central Asia.
Speaking/Publications
Although I spent most of my energy focused on consulting senior officials in classified settings, I’ve had the opportunity to publish and speak to interested audiences in unclassified environments:
2019, Association of the United States Army, “Engaging Extremists”
2016, Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy, "Negotiated Moral Authority in the Struggle Against Violent Islamic Dogma"
2015, Journal of Religion, Book Review: Hoffman, Valerie. "The Essentials of Ibāḍī Islam."
2015, Small Wars Journal, “Reconsidering Religion, Reconsidering Terrorism.”
2012, Journal of Religion, Book Review: Adam Gaiser. "Muslims, Scholars, Soldiers: The Origin and Elaboration of the Ibadı Imamate Traditions."
2011, Joint Force Quarterly, “Religious Leader Engagement in Southern Afghanistan.”