I offer a unique combination of experiential health knowledge and feminist analysis skills that are ideally suited for the clinic and classroom. My experiences as a practicing registered nurse at a major academic hospital, a clinical nursing graduate student instructor, and multicultural peer facilitator have allowed me to develop a way of communicating with students, patients and colleagues that is respectful and encourages critical thinking.

 

Clinical Instructor (1 term) Worked as a GSI to teach students how to integrate critical thinking skills with the application of physical, biological, psychological, and social aspects of nursing care.

Registered Nurse (4 yrs) Worked in emergency and homeless healthcare, offering health promotion to patients and mentoring new staff.

Multicultural Peer Facilitator (1 yr) Worked with underrepresented minority nursing students to improve critical thinking skills, academic skills, and the adjustment to college social life.

 

My research interests involve health disparities, community empowerment, and patient self-care measures. I am particularly interested in interventions that seek to understand how intersecting social identities influence health status and health outcomes, with particular emphasis on recognizing structural inequalities. Toward these goals, a number of scholars have influenced my research and practice including: Abby Stewart (on intersectionality), Tim Wise (on whiteness), Lois Weiss and R.W. Connell (on masculinity), Leith Mullings (on health and structural barriers), David Allen (on nursing and critical feminist perspectives), and Barbara Israel (on community-based participatory research). In regards to teaching I hope to work in an environment in which I can utilize both my clinical background and feminist studies-influenced research interests.

 

In my pedagogical approach, I strive to help students examine both their own ideas and the ideas of our society in light of new information. I encourage dialogue in every class session and I approach each class I teach as a learning experience for myself. I am dedicated to promoting students’ analytical and writing skills, which are transferable to every field of inquiry and endeavor. Finally, since I find learning fun, I try to help students enjoy the learning process – I continually look forward to learning from them.