Education

PhD English (August 2025 - Current)

Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA

Masters of Arts, American Studies (2014)

California State University, Fullerton

Bachelor of Arts, African American Studies (2009)

University of California, Irvine 

Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential (2007)

University of California, Irvine 

Bachelor of Arts, Literary Journalism (2006)

University of California, Irvine

Honors & Awards

• M.A. Thesis nominated for the Giles T. Brown Outstanding Thesis Award (2015)

• Magna Cum Laude, UCI (2006 & 2009)

• Dean’s Undergraduate Award in African American Studies (May 2009)

• Dean’s Undergraduate Award in Literary Journalism (May 2006)

• Dean’s Honor List (June 2003-2009)

Conferences:

California American Studies Association Conference (2012) 

• Presented paper: “The Acjachemen Traditional Tribal Community: Civic Activism and Agency within Modernity”

• Panel member for discussion on American Studies

Graduate Assistantship

• American Studies 101 (2012) - lectured on history of American slavery, administered exams, graded exams and essays. 

• American Studies 201 (2013) - administered exams, graded exams and essays. 

Internship

International Center for Writing and Translation (2008)

• Book review published in ICWT newsletter From Here to There

• Event publicity, student communications, and administrative assistance

Publications

M.A. Thesis “Missions in Miniature: Cultural Constructions of California’s Mission Past” California State University Fullerton, 2014.  

“Satire and Cultural Translation: a Review of Breaking Knees, Translated by Dr. Ibrahim Muhawi.” From Here to There (2008). 

“A Single Rose and a Hell of a Journey.” Anthology of Students’ Writing (2006).

“When a Gene Changes Everything.” Anthology of Students’ Writing (2005).