When did you start at UMD? Why did you choose to work at UMD?
I began working at UMD August 2024 in the Department of Social Work. I chose to migrate to UMD and the greater Duluth area because I was really drawn to the sense of community among faculty and staff that work in the social work department. We've also met that same support and inclusivity in Duluth, not just at the university. Everyone has been so supportive, and that's exactly what I was looking for while on the job market.
I was also looking for a social work department that already had an MSW program, because I'm really passionate about clinical practice. I used to practice in Missouri where we come from, so getting students engaged and excited about clinical work is something I'm also really passionate about.
What do you like most about your job?
I love being a part of students' learning, especially at different points in their social work education. I could have them as a BSW student, or as an MSW student. I love seeing the connection being made between the integration of classroom learning, research, and theory with real-life social work experiences. I also really like the fact that I'm able to participate in a wide variety of things, like research, education, and clinical practice. That's one of the reasons why I wanted to go into academia because it provides such an array of things to do. I'm not a person who enjoys doing the exact same thing every day.
What is your research focus?
I'm really interested in exploring LGBTQIA2S+ individuals' experiences with law enforcement and access to gender-affirming physical and mental healthcare. My dissertation was a phenomenological study using in-depth semi-structured interviews to explore Black transgender women's experiences with law enforcement in the Midwest. My dream would be to help develop a mandatory culturally sensitive training for law enforcement officers across the country about LGBTQIA2S+ issues so they know more about engaging with populations with these intersecting identities.
Do you have any advice for students?
It's so hard because there are so many things that I want to share. I think I'll go with engagement. Engage as much as possible with the content in your program as much as you can and as much as your other responsibilities allow. Even if that means reading an abstract of an article instead of reading the whole article, or skimming a reading instead of not reading it at all. Engage in discussion in class as much as possible. You will be that much more prepared when you go out into your career.
Also, never underestimate the power of communication. Communicate with your professors, with your advisor, with other students. If you're struggling, let someone know. We as faculty and staff are better able to help you when you communicate with us.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love to hang out with friends, try new places to eat in the community, hang out with and talk to my two cats (my children, really), exercise, read science fiction, watch movies/TV, listen to music, and play games. This includes board games, card games, and strategy games. My partner and I are into Magic the Gathering. We have a collection of board games that is growing. I also have a gaming PC that I built and use frequently.