Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity
My Background
My work as a researcher, educator, and social worker has reinforced my commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in academic, professional, and community spaces. As a first-generation college graduate, I understand the challenges of navigating higher education, and I strive to foster environments that are accessible, inclusive, and empowering for individuals from diverse backgrounds. I acknowledge both the barriers I have faced and the privileges I hold, and I continuously seek to educate myself and uplift others through my work.
Inclusive Research and Collaboration
My research embraces a mixed-methodological approach to understanding human behavior, integrating cross-cultural perspectives, community partnerships, and interdisciplinary collaboration. I prioritize open science practices and work to ensure that my research is accessible and applicable beyond academic settings—informing policy, community initiatives, and real-world behavior change.
Equity in Mentorship
In my teaching, I draw from my background in social work to create engaging, student-centered learning environments that recognize different perspectives and lived experiences. I employ inclusive teaching strategies, provide transparent grading criteria, and integrate diverse voices in psychology to ensure students see themselves reflected in the material. Beyond the classroom, I actively mentor underrepresented students through graduate school workshops, CV development sessions, and mentorship programs designed to make higher education more accessible.
Commitment to Service and Structural Change
I believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion require both individual effort and systemic change. I have contributed to institutional efforts to improve graduate student climate, recruit diverse faculty, and support underrepresented students in STEM fields. I co-founded the Psychology Undergraduate Mentorship Program to connect students with graduate mentors, and I am involved in organizations that advance diversity in research and academia.