I am a Professor of Philosophy, Co-director of our Master’s Program in Environmental Philosophy, and Director of the Pre-Law Program at the University of Montana. I am an Agrégée in Philosophy and a former student of the Ecole Normale Supérieure.

Research: Quantum Theory, Scientific Models, Public Trust, Scientific Understanding, and Science and Values.

I have been conducting research in the philosophy of science for more than 15 years. I have published articles on the interpretation of quantum mechanics, scientific modeling, dissent in science, science and values, and edited a public-facing volume providing a survey of issues in philosophy of physics (in French).

I am currently working on a book with Armond Duwell on scientific understanding. Our book presents a comprehensive and unified pragmatic account of understanding that unifies all scientific practice.  On our view, the great diversity of scientific practices provides understanding because all contribute possible solutions to relevant problems.  Unlike other accounts of scientific understanding that focus only on explanatory understanding of phenomena, our analysis covers important varieties of understanding, like understanding how to manipulate phenomena or generate data, and salient targets of understanding, like scientific theories or problems.  No other extant account comes close in comprehensiveness and unifying power.

My next project consists in developing a fiduciary view of legitimate value-influence in the sciences. I hope to apply that view to conservation science primarily.

Teaching: Philosophy of Science, Modern Philosophy, Philosophy of Law, Animals

I have taught classes in Modern philosophy, philosophy of science, the foundations of ecology, philosophy of law, and philosophy of animals. I employ active learning strategies in my teaching. I also focus on engaged philosophy in my courses. I was the recipient of the Outstanding Teaching Award and the William Reynolds Award for Excellence in Teaching Across the Curriculum in 2024. I have also won a Promoting Intellectual Excellence Award 5 years in a row.

Public Philosophy

I believe public philosophy is critical even if challenging. Check out my public outreach page if you are interested.

University of Montana Pre-Law Program

I am also the Director of the Pre-Law Program at the University of Montana, which I founded and build. I get to help and mentor some of the most wonderful human beings I have known doing so. Please go to the UM Pre-Law Program website for more information.

Diversity and Inclusion

I am convinced that it is my responsibility as a person with tremendous privilege and in a position of relative power to be an ally and amplify the voices of historically marginalized populations. I have been a member of the Philosophy of Science Association’s Women Caucus, now D.E.I. Caucus since 2008. I have been working on the Underrepresented Scholars in Philosophy of Science initiative since its inception. Finally, I was recently elected to become the new Senior Co-Chair for the PSA D.E.I. caucus.

Environmental Advocacy

I am committed to do my part to mitigate some of the effects of the climate crisis. I have served on the Philosophy of Science Association’s Sustainability Committee since its inception. I also serve as the co-director of our Master’s Program in Environmental Philosophy at the University of Montana. I was the recipient of the University of Montana Sustainability Award at the University of Montana in 2021. In 2025, I will be organizing the ISEE conference in Missoula. I am also a member of Philosophers for Sustainability and I serve on the Program Committee for the 2025 Central APA conference which will take place fully online to mitigate some of the philosophy community’s carbon footprint. Finally, I volunteer and serve as vice-chair of the Board of Directors for Animal Wonders.