I was born and raised in Fairfax, Virginia.  I earned my B.A. in History from George Mason University and I am currently working towards earning my M.A. in Public History. In 2004, I began working at Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site in Alexandria, Virginia. 

​In October 2009 I assumed the position of Museum Specialist (Ordnance) at the National Museum of the Marine Corps.  While in this role, I have been responsible for the acquisition, conservation and display of the firearms, edged weapon, and inert explosive collection of the museum. Included with these duties is conducting and assisting with the yearly required inventories of the 3500 firearms and inert-explosive artifacts held in the collection of the National Museum of the Marine Corps. During this time I have been published in Fortitudine magazine, two articles for America’s Civil War magazine and written an artifact based article for Leatherneck Magazine. I have also earned four separate certifications as a firearms armorer.