Hi, I’m Jon— a policy process scholar with a passion for narrative, space, and low-salience policy issues.

I am an Assistant Professor of Political Science in the School of American and Global Studies at South Dakota State University. I currently teach Introduction to American Government, State & Local Government, Civics, and Public Administration. And, I serve the Huether Public Service Academy – creating opportunities for students to thrive in public sector work.

I earned my Ph.D. in Public Policy from Oregon State University, where my research focused on how storytelling shapes U.S. space-defense institutions. My dissertation developed a new method for measuring plot in partisan policy narratives using the Narrative Policy Framework (NPF), applied to the formation of the U.S. Space Force.

Along the way, I’ve interned at NASA Headquarters with the History Department, and worked with Oregon’s Metro Regional Government to improve legislative processes and train staff in continuous process improvement.

Whether I’m researching, teaching students, or analyzing narrative strategies, I’m driven by curiosity and a belief that even the most overlooked policy issues deserve attention and creativity.

When I’m not working, you’ll find me exploring new places, caring for aquatic pets and plants, or playing tabletop RPGs and cozy video games.

Assistant Professor of Political Science – 2025

School of American and Global Studies

Doctor of Philosophy: Public Policy – 2023

A Narrative Policy Framework Analysis of US Space-Defense Policy and the Operationalization of Plot.

Master of Public Administration – 2017

Commercial Space Available – A review of special interest group influence on commercial space policy.

Bachelor of Science: Psychology – 2013