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About Me

My academic scholarship focuses on digital equity and digital wellness, specifically as it pertains to adolescent identity development and interpersonal violence prevention (e.g., bullying and digital harm). I have co-authored projects related to adolescent identity formation (i.e., disability, racial socialization), school-based violence prevention (i.e., bullying), and digital inclusion (i.e., community-level infrastructure). I recently finished my PhD in Community, Research and Action at Vanderbilt University.

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In my work, I utilize mixed methods approaches within community-engaged research partnerships to study adolescent tech use and strategies for improving teen relationships with technology. This includes sourcing insight from teens and about their use practices, as well as co-designing innovative digital wellness solutions (e.g., apps, interventions) and assessing their efficacy in an applied setting. I seek opportunities to collaborate with multi-disciplinary scholars and prioritize opportunities to mentor students and peers about the research process.

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Learn more about the type of work I do, by exploring my C.V.

Education

2019-2024

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Community Research & Action

  • Dissertation: "Beyond Digital Disconnection and Screentime: Advancing the Study of Adolescent Digital Wellbeing Through Teen-Centric Methods"

  • Advisor: Dr. Velma McBride Murry, Associate Provost & Lois Autrey Betts Chair of Education &. Human Development and Director of Center for Advancing Racial-Ethnic Equity for Families (CARE-E)

  • Former Advisor: Dr. Anjali J. Forber-Pratt, Biden-appointed director of NIDLRR

  • Minor: Quantitative Psychology (SEM, MLM, Experimental Design, Multiple Linear Regression, and IRT)

  • Certificates: Vanderbilt Certificate in College Teaching

2019-2023

Master of Science (M.S.)

Community Research & Action

  • Masters Thesis: “Gatekeepers” and Gender Identification in Education Research: Ethical Responsibilities of Distinguishing Sex and Gender

2016-2017

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Civic Media, Art & Practice

  • Thesis: Reimagining Sexual Assault Prevention: An Iterative Process of Co-Design Towards College Student Expectation Alignment

  • Participated in the Salzburg Global Seminar on Media and Global Change, Salzburg, Austria

Master of Education (Ed.M.)

Mind, Brain & Education

2015-2016

2011-2015

Bachelor of Liberal Arts (B.A.)

Education Studies & Political Science

Minor: Chemistry

Getting a little more personal...

Born and raised in southern Indiana, I am the oldest of five children and have been a "researcher" since the 4th grade when I distributed a 1-page paper survey to discern my peers' birthdays, favorite colors, and candy preferences. I was first in my immediate family to go to college, which represented a time of immeasurable growth and exposure to new ideas and perspectives. Navigating undergrad and eventually moving to Boston to pursue graduate training, I developed a deep commitment to community-engaged pedagogy and helping students to connect their passions with their future careers. My diverse research interests stem from the variety of projects I've worked on and people I've met; from sexual health to digital wellbeing, each project I take on is connected to my central mission to improve the communities I serve through research-informed approaches. The daughter of a graphic designer, I love visualizing data and finding new ways to communicate information (i.e., infographics) that are fun, but effective.

 

Both Hoosiers at heart, my partner Kyle and I have visited 28 states (and 3 countries) together, and have a goal of visiting all 50 before we turn 50. We currently live in Nashville, TN with our spunky, but sweet cats named Bosnia (aka "Kitty") and Cupcake. We enjoy watching and attending collegiate sporting events and as a Pisces, I have a special affinity for March Madness. In my "down time" (forever working toward work-life-fit, am I right?) you can find me going on walks, rollerblading, or perusing shops for the perfect gifts for family and friends (gift-giving is my love language). 

 

In the midst of academic writing and reading, I make time to "read for fun" and set yearly goals on GoodReads and love squeezing in podcasts focused on the latest technology (i.e., generative AI). In many ways, I'm an open book and love meeting new people, learning new things, and sharing what I've learned with others, including my nieces and nephews.

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