Ph.D. in Philosophy - University of Oregon (2002-2008)
B.A. in Philosophy, B.A. in Comparative Literature - University of Michigan (1998-2002)
Focused on Phenomenology, Critical Theory, History of Philosophy - dissertation was essentially a genealogy of the concept of freedom.
Commenced a permanent philosophical engagement with popular culture with feet firmly planted in the streets. And in the club.
Lived & studied in Germany at the Heinrich-Heine Universität in Düsseldorf and the Frei Universität in Berlin. Speaks slightly rusty, but nearly fluent German. Same goes for Spanish.
Taught full-time and part-time at a number of Universities including Pacific University, Pacific Northwest College of Art, University of Oregon and University of Portland. Was nominated three times for a teacher of the year award, once snuck out a victory.
Refined a capacity to communicate effectively with 18-22 year olds about complex philosophical ideas by speaking the language of popular culture with fluency. Has published articles on topics including Critical Theory and Punk Rock - and Post-Structuralism and Remix Culture.
His 2008 essay published n the Journal of Speculative Philosophy entitled “The Tyranny of Authenticity” is held up as the benchmark for theoretical writing on punk rock culture - and is currently taught at well over 25 universities in the United States.