About
I graduated with my Ph.D. in Social Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University and recently completed my NRSA T32 postdoctoral fellowship with the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where I am now positioned as a Research Associate.
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I first developed an interest in the connections between biology, health, and culture as an undergraduate at Colgate University, where I studied Neuroscience and Religious studies. After graduating, I moved to Providence, Rhode Island to research the neural basis of meditation at Brown University and the Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging.
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Outside of my scholarly interests, I enjoy cooking, reading fiction, stand-up comedy, singing, and playing D&D.
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Research Approaches
Neuroimaging
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Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
- Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)
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​Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS)
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Community-based participatory research
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Equitable community-research partnerships
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Qualitative and mixed-methods approaches
- Community-based secondary data analysis​
Ecologically-valid assessment
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Self-report ecological momentary assessment (EMA)
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Smartphone-recorded video diaries
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Natural language
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Remote biomarker collection
Clinically-inspired interventions
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Randomized controlled trials
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Mindfulness-based interventions
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​Culturally relevant well-being practices
Philosophy of Teaching & Mentorship
My philosophy of teaching is based on the premise that learning can have a transformative impact on individuals and societies. My teaching praxis is built on principles that center 1) student well-being, 2) collaboration, and 3) social impact. I work to integrate evidence-based practices with basis in Universal Design for Learning (UDL), as well as experiential, reflective, and service-based learning.
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I consider community and relationality to be foundational to the scientific process. Thus, I think deeply about how my mentorship can effectively support emerging scholars across all levels of professional development through culturally supportive approaches. In addition to assuring material, social, and emotional support for mentees, I work to empower students to navigate academic spaces with confidence and compassion.