Hi, I’m Doran. I’m a student, a teacher, a hunter, a house painter, and much more. Growing up I was homeschooled and the most enduring lesson I learned is to let my curiosity guide me. I like to let that curiosity mix with my inclinations towards determination, pragmatism, and compassion. At times it may look eclectic and discombobulated and it may not be your cup o’ tea, but I’m happy with it. I was born and raised in northern Appalachia and I’m at home in the classroom and the woods. In fact, I need to be in both with some frequency or I start getting angsty!
Right now, I am working towards earning my PhD in communication at George Mason University. My research interests center on strategic climate change communication with a particular focus on how climate change can be articulated as a national security issue. Here I draw on my understanding of international relations and security studies developed during my undergraduate and master’s studies at Penn State. My research interests also extend to Appalachian Studies, Geopolitics, and much else.
If any of this piques your interest, or you share a love of 28mm dark-age miniature painting feel free to reach out!