His ongoing research on the Homestead Strike of 1892 in collective memory reflects his engagement with 20th century U.S. social movement culture and politics, as does his exploration of neglected mid-century Pittsburgh writers such as Lauren Gilfillan. A proponent of experiential learning in the liberal arts curriculum, he is also active in public history through his longtime involvement with the Battle of Homestead Foundation. Long a member of the Working Class Studies Association, his interests are deeply interdisciplinary. He holds a BA in Philosophy (with special honors) from the University of Chicago, an MA in English from Ohio State University, and is ABD in Cultural Studies at Carnegie Mellon University.