I earned my Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Michigan where my dissertation research explored how status barriers hindered interdisciplinary collaborations in the health sciences. But like many in academia, teaching is my vocation. My courses include HS 301: Introduction to Health and Society, HS 378: Seminar in Health and Society, HS 340: Cancerland, and BDP 101.
In every class I teach, fostering a love of learning is my primary goal. My scholarly interests are diverse; I’m particularly interested in understanding the mechanisms through which social inequities perpetuate health disparities, how patients with a terminal diagnosis experience their illness, and how teachers can foster connection and belonging in the classroom to enhance student experiences and improve learning outcomes. More than anything, I count myself lucky to learn alongside my students, encouraging them to take risks and make meaningful choices as they cultivate a life worth living!