Ph.D. in American Studies

Why did you choose graduate school at IUPUI?

I chose IUPUI for the American Studies program. This program is an interdisciplinary program designed to solve wicked problems and local issues in Indianapolis.

What has been your favorite academic accomplishment since you’ve been here?

In Spring 2020, I was accepted to be in the inaugural cohort for the CRISP Fellowship Program. In this fellowship, I received the opportunity to work under the advisement of Dr. Breanca Merritt. Even though the pandemic interfered with the experience, the CRISP team made sure the fellows received training and practice in performing exploratory research utilizing oral histories.

What do you enjoy most about life in Indianapolis?

I am enjoying seeing how the city is being revitalized. The city’s architecture is amazing.

Please provide some details about your work/research as a graduate student and/or any activities you are involved in.

I am currently serving as the first Emerging Scholar for the Center for Africana Studies and Culture and a graduate assistant for the Preparing Future Faculty Program (PFFP). This spring, I am hosting forums with Epifhany, LLC. on increasing the value of Black education. My research interests are social media and popular culture, social policy, workforce development and labor issues. I am a member of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators, The Black Doctoral Network and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.