I have always had an interest in everyday buildings, but Carl Lounsbury first introduced me to Vernacular Architecture studies as an undergraduate at the College of William and Mary. I attended my first VAF conference in 2007 in Savannah shortly after graduation and was struck by the diversity of scholars and professionals that the organization embraces. I believe the interdisciplinary profile of the VAF is one of its greatest strengths.

After William and Mary, my attention turned to buildings archaeology, with training at Bristol University in the UK for a Master’s in Historical Archaeology and then onto Boston University for a doctorate in Archaeology with a focus on the early modern Atlantic world. I began research in Bermuda working closely with the Bermuda National Trust. After lecturing at Boston University for two years, I shifted my focus towards vernacular buildings and historic preservation. I was lucky enough to enroll in the Clemson/College of Charleston Historic Preservation Program, where I worked with Carter Hudgins, Ed Chappell, and Willie Graham. After graduating I served as Associate Director of the Warren Lasch Conservation Center at Clemson and Adjunct Professor in the Clemson/CofC preservation program.

In 2007, I moved to Texas A&M where I am an Assistant Professor of Architecture and Associate Director of the Center for Heritage Conservation; I teach classes in Vernacular Architecture and Historic Preservation. I have active research in Bermuda, South Carolina, and Barbados.

I am excited to serve as new VAF board member and as chair of the Education Committee, where we are working to provide new vernacular architecture resources to students and the public. As a member of the 2020 VAF conference committee, I look forward to seeing everyone in San Antonio for good food and even better vernacular buildings.