About
I am an Associate Professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at the State University of New York (SUNY) at New Paltz, as well as an affiliate faculty with the Asian Studies program, Asian American Studies minor and the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Department.
I received a dual-PhD in Geography and Women’s Studies from The Pennsylvania State University, have an MA in International Relations from Syracuse University, and a BA in Environmental Studies and International Studies from the University of Oregon. In addition, I am currently a MS in Midwifery student at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University (expected graduation in summer 2025).
My teaching, research, and community commitments (from local to global) center on an analysis and disruption of the systems of inequity that are entrenched in the institutions that structure our everyday lives. In particular my attention is focused on educational equity (K-Higher Education) and reproductive justice.
All work and no play…
well, it’s no fun, and frankly not good for me. I’ve learned (the hard way) that carving out “me time” is a key to health and well-being—especially if your work/life requires your intellectual, emotional, and/or creative energies.
In addition to being a scholar-activist, I am a parent of two brilliant kids (ages 7 & 10). Our family of four additionally includes four dogs and fifteen hens! As a family we carve time out to enjoy many of the great outdoor activities that the Hudson Valley (NY) has to offer—including hiking, biking, kayaking, and rock climbing.
Further, as a former yoga instructor with (200 hr) training credentials from Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health as well as through teaching intensives with Donna Farhi, I continue to integrate yoga practice and teachings into my everyday life.