I am the staff folklorist at MSAC, where I direct the state folklife program Maryland Traditions and provide support for folk and traditional artists and arts organizations. Folklife documentation is the joy of this work, and I have been privileged to listen to the stories and observe the traditions of folklife practitioners across the state. Previously, I completed extensive research on contemporary oral traditions in Ireland. I earned a PhD in folklore studies from Indiana University and am a former newspaper reporter.