I am a professor and Director of Research in the Kemmons Wilson School at The University of Memphis. I research fandom, group behavior, and rivalry, with a particular interest in how group membership is correlated with the various ways people view others.
I have over 80 publications (books, articles, book chapters) dedicated to fandom and how group membership can influence behavior toward others. I have developed the Rivalry Perception Scale (RPS), the Glory Out of Reflected Failure (GORF) scales, and have identified the Hierarchy of Out-group Derogation (HOD) and Out-group Derogation Spectrum (ODS). My work has been featured in ESPN, the Wall Street Journal, and many others.
My growing interest in entertainment such as streaming, theme parks, movies and television have given me the opportunity to pursue new avenues of study and discovery and have opened new doors for me.
I also produce and host the 'Being a Fan of Disney' Podcast to accompanies a class I teach at the university by the same name. I have interviewed many people about their Disney fandom, and have also been featured as a guest on several podcasts regarding Disney.
I have delivered presentations on topics such as sport rivalry, rivalry and out-group behavior outside of the sport context, using the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) to help students acclimate to college, using the MCU to help academics navigate the research and writing process, and on the use of comic strips to teach young readers how rivalry can influence behavior toward others.
Research, Sport Rivalry Man comics, curriculum, and select presentations can be found at www.SportRivalry.com.