research

My research is rooted in my work as a teacher and teacher educator, and in a belief that learning is relational and shaped by experience. I am interested in connected teaching—how educators learn through relationships, reflection, and engagement with language and culture, especially in multilingual and diverse classrooms. I hold a PhD in Teacher Education and Learning Sciences (Learning, Design, and Technology) and teach TESOL and world language education at North Carolina State University.

I study teacher professional learning experiences that support the development of global competence by engaging educators in perspective-taking, cultural humility, and reflective practice. Much of my work focuses on global and international professional development, where teachers engage with language, culture, and place in ways that shape their understanding of students, identity, and teaching. I am particularly interested in how thoughtfully designed digital tools can amplify reflection, connection, and meaning-making as educators develop more culturally responsive and globally grounded practices.

My research interests include:

  • multilingual learning and language teacher education

  • culturally responsive teaching

  • critical language awareness

  • technology-supported and digitally mediated teaching practices

  • global competence and international professional development

research associate with CIDRE

I study culturally responsive pedagogy and the ways digital tools can support practicing K–12 educators. As a Research Associate with the CIDRE program (Cultural Investigation and Digital Representation for Educators), I collaborate with teachers and administrators from the U.S. as they travel abroad to engage with local communities and explore cultural themes through digital media. The goal of this work is to strengthen educators’ cultural understanding and help them bring that awareness back to their classrooms, schools, and communities.

I have participated as a researcher in CIDRE programs in Munich, Germany (2022), Vienna, Austria (2023), and Buenos Aires, Argentina (2024).

If you’re interested in learning more about my research or collaborating on a project, reach out!

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