Curriculum Vitae

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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.

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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.

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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.”