Hi, I’m Doran. I’m a learner, 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!
I am adjusting to having finished up my PhD in communication at George Mason University. Its a fascinating transition after a lot of years as a student. Even as I've shed my student title I have doubled down on learning and I'm excited to continue pursuing my curiosity. Right now, my research interests center on strategic climate change risk communication with a particular focus on how climate change can be articulated as a national security issue. I am also developing projects that center on trust and trustworthiness in risk communication and the role of conservative voices in promoting climate change mitigation and adaptation policy. Although my PhD is in COMM, 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!