I am an independent writer and journalist based in New York City.

In recent years the bulk of my work has dealt with intersections of arts, communities, and social and cultural change. I contribute to daily newspapers, magazines, radio, and digital media as an arts journalist and culture writer and critic. I also write, edit and consult for private clients.

In previous professional lives, I’ve been an academic political scientist specializing in politics and economics of developing countries, and a consultant in the global energy industry. I graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University in 1989, and pursued graduate work there from 1990 to 1996 before leaving for the private sector.

Born in Washington D.C. and raised there for six years and in Paris, France for twelve, I’ve been based in the U.S. since 1985, with large chunks of time overseas, including two years’ worth in Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa, and extended travel in India and other countries. I’m fluent in French and can get by in German and Spanish.