I am an historian, public health scholar, and lifelong student of the stories that ordinary people leave behind in their journey though life. Born and raised in Western Pennsylvania in the city of Johnstown, I developed an early fascination with the region’s coal towns, immigrant communities, railroads, and industrial heritage. These interests would eventually shape both my academic career and my writing.

I earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Pittsburgh before completing a PhD in History at Carnegie Mellon University and a Doctor of Public Health degree at the University of Pittsburgh. My research bridges history, culture, and the ways communities adapt to changing social and economic conditions.

Raised in Johnstown and now based in Pittsburgh, I divide my time between archival research, teaching, public lectures, and writing. I am frequently found exploring museums, historic sites, libraries, and neighborhood bookstores while collecting ideas for future projects. I believe that the most compelling history is often hidden in forgotten diaries, local newspapers, family photographs, and the memories of ordinary people.

My historical and erotic fiction reflects the same curiosity about human relationships and motivations. Rather than relying on simple stereotypes or sensationalism, I explore intimacy, personal freedom, consent, and emotional complexity through intelligent, character-driven narratives populated by believable adults making thoughtful choices.

Outside of writing, I enjoy hiking Pittsburgh’s river trails, independent coffee shops, old maps, archival collections, and conversations that last longer than expected. I am openly atheist, politically liberal, and a firm believer that honest communication and personal autonomy make for healthier relationships and better stories.

When I’m not researching or writing, I can often be found with a notebook in hand, quietly observing the world and wondering what interesting story might be hiding in plain sight.

Addendum July 17, 2026

I am a non monogamous bisexual woman. I deliberately did not activate the match feature on the website because my presence here is not to add additional lovers to my life. I live in a target rich environment in that regard, and I’m satisfied with the IRL opportunities. If for some reason I am showing up as a match in your searches, please let me know. That should not be happening.

 I know my profile is out of the ordinary and there are lots of people asking, “What is this crazy redhead up to?” Why is this such a different profile from everything else on Lush? I’ve received messages asking everything from “Are you planning on writing an article for the Atlantic?” to asking if this is a major catfishing expedition. Time will tell if this will all work out but here is a brief outline of what I’m going to try to accomplish.

 I have been a reader and a writer of erotica for a long time now. I recently developed an idea for a genre of erotic writing that I decided to call “Wholesome SFW Erotica” and I’m calling my own particular brand of the genre “A Playground of the Mind.”

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1M7uI-74w5WpWD_aWa1K2mraETnHw-0FM/view?usp=drivesdk

 As I’ve looked things over, I see that most of the videos are simply reposts from porn hub and similar places. I propose to differentiate myself by posting my own video shorts.  In addition, I will be adding more photos, novels, novellas, audio books, and a video podcast called, “My Little Corner of the Night,” sub titled “Pittsburgh never really goes to sleep. It just whispers different stories after dark.”

I have photographers, a videographer, a website/ graphic design person, and public relations person helping me with the concept. Having connections to two major Universities I have been able to find graduate students needing a product to incorporate into thesis, and dissertation work. Students from both the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University are involved in crafting my public image but I am solely the author of all written content including the scripts for video shorts and video and audio podcasts.

If things seem different, it’s because I’m getting ideas from some very intelligent students and one fulltime professional photographer on how to present myself to the public. Please watch as the ideas become a final product