Research:

I primarily work on topics in early modern philosophy, including modality and metaphysics, possible and fictional worlds, and metaphors—especially in the work of G. W. Leibniz and Margaret Cavendish. 

In my dissertation I defended the view that Leibniz is a necessitarian, he thinks that all truths are metaphysically necessary.  I argue that Leibniz's accounts of contingency are meant to show how he can find surrogate notions of contingency within his necessitarian framework.  I explore the importance of these surrogate notions for Leibniz's understanding of possible worlds, divine and human freedom, and the laws of nature. 

I am also interested in subsequent intellectual influence.  In “Bolzano, Kant and Leibniz," Sandra Lapointe and I examine the Kantian and Leibnizian origins of Bolzano's notion of analyticity.  In “Worlds and Eyeglasses: Cavendish’s Blazing World in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Black Dossier” I explore respresentations of Cavendish’s philosophy in contemporary comic books.

I am also working on pedagogical training and resources for classroom observation for faculty, and community-engaged learning course redesign.

There’s more on my work on this PhilPerson page.