Research · Commentary · Coverage

Publications & writing.

Original research and published commentary, followed by independent reporting that documents my work in public service.

01 / Original research

Academic research

Graduate research published through the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's institutional repository.

M.S. THESIS · UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE AT CHATTANOOGA · DECEMBER 2014

The effects of different concentrations of phosphite on ectomycorrhiza formation by Pisolithus tinctorius in Castanea dentata

Experimental research examining how phosphite treatments may affect beneficial root–fungus relationships in American chestnut, including implications for restoration and plant health.

View university thesis record ↗
02 / Published commentary

Opinion & public policy

Authored perspectives, not endorsements by the publishers or institutions named.

THE CHATTANOOGAN · SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 · OP-ED

Public Safety And Privacy Should Not Be Opposing Values

On automated license-plate readers, investigatory benefits, and the need for meaningful limits on government surveillance.

Read published op-ed ↗
THE TENNESSEAN · OCTOBER 4, 2026 · GUEST COLUMN

Tennessee can have justice without the death penalty

A perspective on justice and capital punishment in Tennessee.

Read Tennessean guest column ↗
THE TENNESSEAN · OCTOBER 27, 2026 · GUEST COLUMN

Tennessee property-tax plan and local control

A published opinion column on Tennessee property-tax policy, proposed changes, and local government authority.

Read Tennessean guest column ↗
03 / In the news

Selected media coverage

Independent reporting and recorded public discussions. These are articles about my public service, not articles written by me.

CHATTANOOGA TIMES FREE PRESS · SEPTEMBER 5, 2025 · NEWS REPORT

Signal Mountain officials recommend density, reporting changes to Plan Hamilton

Reporting by Ellen Gerst on the town's recommendations for land use, infrastructure, and emergency planning; includes my comments at the council meeting.

Read news report ↗
THE TENNESSEE CONSERVATIVE · SEPTEMBER 15, 2026 · FORUM COVERAGE

Signal Mountain Town Council Candidates Sound Off on Growth, Taxes & More

Reporting and recordings from a public candidate forum covering municipal budgets, development, infrastructure and public safety, with my participation.

Read coverage and access recordings ↗

Additional election materials and candidate statements are maintained separately in the public service campaign archive ↗. Professional presentations and internal employer reports are not listed as external publications.

04 / On this website

Notes & essays

Shorter original reflections hosted here, distinct from externally published work.

ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICE · SITE ESSAY

Compliance is a system, not a binder

Why ownership, records, operations, and feedback loops matter more than the appearance of a perfect manual.

Read note →
DECISION-MAKING · SITE ESSAY

Ask what would change your mind

Separating evaluation from defending a preferred answer.

Read note →