I consider myself primarily a media historian with an interest in the late 19th and early 20th century. My research interests include the development of broadcasting and the use of photographs and illustrations in the press. Much of my research explores the interaction of science and popular culture during this time period as various images were used to explore and explain features found on the planet Mars. The illustrations of Martians published in Cosmopolitan in 1908 are particularly fascinating.

I have published research exploring the early days of radio when broadcasting was being established. I am particularly concerned with the integration of broadcasting into our daily lives.

I am a member of the American Journalism Historians Association, and the Popular Culture Association. I am particularly active with the Broadcast Education Association. I served as chair and vice-chair of their radio division and currently serve as the editor of the Journal of Radio and Audio Media, which publishes radio and audio research from around the world.

In addition to research I actively produce radio documentaries with David Romtvedt of the English Department. The documentaries feature interviews with musicians from communities where the music is central to community life. To date these documentaries have explored Cajun, Hispanic, Native American, and black American musical traditions. These programs aired on numerous stations and were placed in the Smithsonian Folklife collection.

To hear an eight minute sampler of the Cajun program click here

To hear a personal statement click here. 

You will find a list of publications and radio documentaries on my vita.

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