I grew up in Riverton, New Jersey, a small town near Philadelphia. In the 8th grade I moved to Anchorage, Alaska, where I attended a small alternative high school called Steller. My BA is from Swarthmore College (1989). I began my graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania (1990-92), then transferred to Brown, where I earned my PhD in 1997. I had the good fortune to have Ernie Sosa as my dissertation advisor. 

Before coming to the University of Virginia in 2004, I was associate professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and, before that, assistant professor at the College of William & Mary. 

My past UVA appointments include acting dean of the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences; interim associate dean for the College; and chair of the Philosophy Department. During the COVID-19 crisis I served as a member of the University's Fall 2020 Planning Committee and co-directed the University’s effort to develop and launch signature courses for 2021’s innovative January term. I joined the Provost's office in July 2021.