Statement of Teaching Interest

As an educator and researcher, my teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that learning is most impactful when it is inclusive, multimodal, and grounded in embodied experience. My interests lie at the intersection of Tactile Media Design, Multimodal and Embodied Learning, and Accessibility, with a strong commitment to creating inclusive teaching environments that empower all learners.

In my teaching, I emphasize tactile and material engagement as a powerful mode of inquiry and expression. Tactile Media Design offers students opportunities to explore the physicality of media through hands-on experimentation with materials, tools, and technologies. This approach not only fosters creativity and innovation but also supports diverse learning styles by engaging sensory modalities often underutilized in traditional academic settings.

Accessibility is a foundational principle in my pedagogy. I strive to design curricula, assignments, and classroom interactions that are universally accessible, leveraging inclusive design practices and adaptive technologies. This includes providing multiple means of representation, expression, and engagement, in alignment with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) frameworks. I also advocate for critical discussions around accessibility, encouraging students to consider how design can both enable and exclude.

Creating inclusive teaching environments means fostering a classroom culture where all students feel valued, respected, and supported. I prioritize equity in participation, representation, and assessment, and I actively work to dismantle barriers to learning—whether they are physical, cultural, or systemic. My teaching is informed by ongoing reflection, student feedback, and a commitment to social justice, ensuring that my pedagogical practices evolve to meet the needs of diverse learners.

Ultimately, my goal as an educator is to inspire students to become thoughtful, empathetic, and critically engaged makers and thinkers. By integrating tactile media, multimodal learning, and accessibility into my teaching, I hope to cultivate inclusive spaces where creativity and inquiry flourish.

Statement of Research Interest

My research interests lie at the intersection of accessibility, education, and social reintegration, with a particular focus on improving outcomes for individuals with disabilities and those reentering society after incarceration. I am committed to advancing inclusive practices through the development and evaluation of assistive technologies, tactile learning tools, and community-based interventions.

A central theme of my work involves enhancing educational access and success for blind and low vision students. This includes the design and implementation of braille-based instructional materials, tactile graphics, and adaptive technologies that support independent learning and engagement across academic disciplines. I am particularly interested in how these tools can be integrated into mainstream educational environments to promote equity and improve long-term outcomes for students with disabilities.

In parallel, I explore the role of community-based programming in supporting the successful reentry of formerly incarcerated individuals, especially those with disabilities. My research examines the effectiveness of prison training programs—including those that incorporate assistive technology and accessibility principles—in preparing individuals for employment and reintegration. I am especially interested in how these programs can be designed to foster dignity, skill development, and sustained community engagement.