Academic Information
Degrees
BS: Political Science, East Carolina University
MPA: Public Administration, East Carolina University
Research Interests
1. I am interested in improving the quality of communication with juries, particularly the presentation of complex medical and scientific evidence by subject-matter experts and attorneys.
2. I am interested in utilizing rhetorical principles for improving methods of advocacy for elderly infirm victim of nursing home abuse.
3. I am also interested in the use of jury nullification by some jurors as a means of protesting social inequities.
4. I also write on the subject of compliance with Medicare and Medicaid subrogation policies and procedures.
5. I am further interested in research on professional writing and therapeutic jurisprudence.
Advisor/Committee
Brent Henze
Courses Taught
1200: First Year English Composition
Continuing Legal Education for the N.C. State Bar
Selected Publications and Presentations
"Using civic rhetoric and Foucault's systems of discourse to advocate for elderly infirm victims of nursing him abuse", CCCC Conference. Louisville, KY, March 2010.
"Pursuing medical negligence cases in North Carolina: Qualifying the Expert Witness", Campbell Law Observer, Fall 2008.
"The unnatural practice of case management", NC Advocates for Justice Summer Continuing Education Conference, 2007. [Re-presented by request at the 2007 NCAJ Spring Convention, Raleigh, NC]
"Medicare: Step-by-Step", NC Advocates for Justice, Semi-Annual Convention, Asheville, NC, 2007. [Re-presented by request at the 2008 Spring convention, Raleigh, NC]
Career Goals
My goal is to teach English research and legal writing classes and to develop and teach jury communication classes to law school students with the goal of assisting attorney advocates with educating juries, particularly in matters based upon medical and scientific evidentiary matters.
Personal Information
Personal Hobbies/Interests
1. Reading
2. Cross-stitching
3. Gardening
4. Acting as site coordinator for the annual NC High School Mock Trial Competition in Pitt and New Hanover counties.
5. Traveling domestically and internationally
Reasons for Joining PhD Program
Excellent, respected faculty, diverse subject concentrations
