Global and International Studies Building, 3070
Research Summary
I’m a human rights philosopher with a particular focus on human rights in non-ideal conditions – war and conflict. I am the author of Just War and Human Rights (SUNY Press, 2017) which was selected for international recognition through Knowledge Unlatched (https://knowledgeunlatched.org/) in 2023. I am the co-creator of Creative Arts for Vets and co-author of the CAV Book an IU Center for Rural Engagement (CRE) initiative. The CAV Book is an interdisciplinary (human rights, social work, and art therapy) designed therapeutic guidebook to aid in improving well-being through arts-based exercises infused with social work and art therapy practices, veteran narratives, and supplemental veteran-centric wellness resources. In conjunction with the IU School of Social Work and the IU Interprofessional Practice Education and Center, Todd co-designed and co-teaches the Veteran Trauma and Transparency certificate series which is taught at both IU-Bloomington and IU-Indianapolis campuses. This certificate series is to better prepare future professionals who will work with veterans as service providers.
Educational Background
- Ph.D., Philosophy, University of Tennessee, 2013
- M.A., Philosophy, University of South Carolina, 2004
- B.A., Sociology (Minor Psychology), Moravian College, 1994
Regions of Interests
NATO countries
US military training and operations stateside and abroad
Research Topics
War crimes
Drones
Moral injury
Veteran trauma and suicide.
Representative Publications
Associate Editor for the IU ENGAGE! Journal (https://journals.indianapolis.iu.edu/index.php/ENGAGE). This journal provides a forum for community members and university colleagues’ scholarly exchange of research findings as well as ideas advancing knowledge to make a societal impact. The editorial team is committed to advancing the field of community engaged research (CEnR) and community based participatory research (CBPR) in urban settings, nationally and internationally.
“Evaluation of an art-based mental health and wellness resource for veterans: Creative Arts for Vets (CAV) Book” co-authored with Joellen Sefton, John Keesler, and Katie Clouse. Submitted and currently under review by the Journal of Military Social Work and Behavioral Health Services (Mar 2026)
A4Y Book (Arts for Youth Book): Therapeutic Guidebook to Mental Health and Wellbeing, Center for Rural Engagement, Indiana University (Sep 2024), co-authored with John Keesler, Lauren Daugherty, Brooke Neubaum, Irina Watkins, Jeni Water, Catherine Dubois, Nadia Herrera, Jenna Hanks, Lindsay Sarver, and Magda Gamez.
"Serving Those Who Have Served: Creative Arts for Veterans" in IUPUI ENGAGE! Journal https://journals.iupui.edu/index.php/ENGAGE (May 2022).
“Human Rights Perspective to Trauma Informed Care,” in IU Public Health and YOU (Online: https://iu.mediaspace.kaltura.com/channel/SPH+Trauma+Informed+Care/14712540, Dec 2019).
“Incorporating Law of Armed Conflict Training into Afghanistan’s Special Forces’ Curriculum,” in The Army Press (Online: http://armypress.dodlive.mil/incorporating-law-of-armed-conflict-training-into-afghanistans-special-forces-curriculum/, (Apr 2016).