About
I am an Associate Professor and Chair of 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, Gender and Sexuality Studies from The Pennsylvania State University (2012), have an MA in International Relations from Syracuse University (2005), and a BA in Environmental Studies and International Studies from the University of Oregon (1999).
Most recently, I completed an MS in Midwifery at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University (2025). And, after successfully completing the American Midwifery Certification Board Examination, I became Certified Midwife licensed to practice in the state of New York! So now I also work part-time at Sun River Health providing reproductive health care through the life course.
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 10 & 13). Our family of four additionally includes three dogs and fourteen 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, rock climbing, as well as the local performing arts.
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.