When did you start at UMD? Why did you choose to work at UMD?
I started at UMD in August 2014. I first met some faculty from UMD’s Department of Social Work at a conference in late 2013. They were warm, engaged, funny, and doing work that mattered. When I came to campus for an interview, I found a culture of caring, cooperation, and quality work. I ultimately chose UMD for its dedication to excellent teaching and student support; the social work department’s legacy as a training ground for social justice and community leadership; and the collaborative camaraderie.
What do you like most about your job?
I have great colleagues. We work hard, make each other laugh, challenge one another, and stretch out a hand when somebody is struggling. I love working with budding social workers—they bring a heartfelt commitment to advance justice and do good in the world. I am hooked on the challenge of designing courses and individual classes that have a lasting impact on student learning and development, including their capacity and commitment to anti-oppressive social work practice.
What is your research focus?
I study aging among transgender and nonbinary (TNB) adults. I seek to understand how they identify and how they experience the world. I seek to expose oppression that TNB older adults face and to draw attention to what they need to age well.
Do you have any advice for students?
- Lean into what you are passionate about/get energy from.
- Ask yourself, 'What can I do to leave this place (school, community, world) better than I found it?' and then do those things.
- Succeeding in college (and life) isn’t about being the smartest or most talented—it’s about finding the discipline to do what needs to be done even when you are bored, nervous, or lack motivation. Develop strategies for doing the things you don’t want to do and use them!
- Know you don’t have to do it all alone.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I spend a lot of time swimming and paddleboarding when the lakes aren’t frozen. I love live music and theatre. I steal some minutes on even the busiest of days to play word games or read.