I am interested in the development of urban cultures in Italian cities during the Middle Ages. Particularly, the city of Siena during the rule of the Nove (1286-1355). During that period the urban landscape of the city was transformed by a merchant government that imbued streets, fountains, piazzas, even the hospital and cathedral with themes dominated by their vision of the Buongoverno.
I also serve as the Executive Director of the RCHA High School Teachers Institute. This program brings together Rutgers faculty and New Jersey educators for one-day seminars on a variety of topics.
Director, Rutgers Institute for High School Teachers
Courses Taught
- Development of Europe
- Emergence of the Middle Ages
- Harvest of the Middle Ages
- The Age of Reformation
- Medieval Italy
- The Medieval City
- Kings and Peasants
- New York: Empire City
Relevant Experience and Affiliations
- National Endowment of the Humanities Fellowship
- Fulbright Fellowship
- Kezai Koho Fellowship
- US-China Bridge Program – The College Board
- Coordinator for the History Channel’s New Jersey History Teacher of the Year
- New Jersey Council for History Education
- Grant Coordinator for US Department of Education, Teaching American History
- Master Teacher Fellow - Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
- Executive Board, Artist Advocacy Foundation
