philosophy

My work as a scholar, educator, and leader is rooted in critical and intersectional theory and a commitment to social justice. I study dress practices and behaviors with a focus on how identity, power, and lived experience are expressed through fashion and dress. I see research not just as a means of discovery, but as a tool for connection, especially with communities often left out of academic discourse. My goal is to make this work accessible and meaningful to a wide audience, both inside and outside the university.

In the classroom, I lead with a compassionate pedagogical approach inspired by bell hooks. I design courses that help students learn research methods through active, inclusive, and reflective learning. Whether I'm teaching in person or online, hybrid, synchronous, or asynchronous, I strive to make fashion education tractable and relevant for every student, especially those who, like me, may have once felt like outsiders in higher education. I am intentional about including students in my research projects, because I believe in mentoring through doing, and demystifying academic work.

As Program Director of Fashion Design at Drexel University, I bring the same care and intention to leadership as I do in research and teaching. Early in my time in this role, I was asked what I hoped to accomplish. My answer was simple: I want to leave the program better than I found it, so that the next person can build on what I’ve started. That mindset keeps me grounded. Leadership, for me, isn’t just about completing tasks, it’s about cultivating trust, collaboration, and resilience. Drawing on the work of scholars like Brené Brown, Amy Edmondson, and Adam Grant, I lead with vulnerability, transparency, and a deep commitment to equity, so that both faculty and students have the support they need to thrive.