- What preoccupies you at the moment?
I followed the American election closely. Now, I am watching the transition process as Trump assembles his cabinet and advisors.
I am currently working on several large research projects. One example is a project examining Russian attacks on healthcare services in Ukraine. We have data that records all the attacks on healthcare facilities and personnel. The data identifies the location of the attack and the means of attack. Focusing on precision guided attacks (such as drones) and proximity to the battle front we can ascertain intention. In other words, we can determine whether the attack was intentional or accidental. The evidence strongly supports the contention that the attacks are intentional, which is a violation of international law. Using a quasi-experimental research design, we have found that Russian attacks are associated with Ukrainian attacks that lead to a loss of territory held by Russia. The Russian attacks on healthcare are not associated with the frequency of Ukrainian attacks or the loss of Russian lives in battle.
- If you were to explain to an eight-year-old what you are doing in three short sentences, what would you say?
I study and teach war and peace. In particular, I focus on what happens during war. I examine questions about who fights, where, how, and why.
- What motivates you in your job?
I enjoy teaching. I find it very rewarding. I also like conducting research and being among the best in my field. The process of discovery and publishing is extremely stimulating.
- If you were to become something different, what would it be?
Growing up, I dreamed of becoming a writer, living on a farm, and working as a veterinarian. These desires are still important if I were to do something else today. Nowadays, I could add working as a gardener or in the foreign service. Two quite different jobs—the first seems very harmonious, and the second incredibly exciting.
- What do you do to completely unwind?
I enjoy physical activity. I play tennis and golf, go hiking, and in winter I go skiing. I also enjoy cooking.