I am a doctoral candidate in the Department of Romance Studies in Literatures, Languages, and Cultures of the Iberian Peninsula and the Americas at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and am the Design Thinking and Innovation Manager at Innovate Carolina, UNC’s hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development.

In my research I explore the intersections of human-centered design, pedagogy, and technology to make literature a more accessible and equitable tool in and out of the classroom.

My dissertation uses participatory design to develop innovative learning experiences for undergraduate Medical Spanish courses. Using literary analysis, improvement science principles, and user-centered practice, I propose a new model for creating simulation activities based on contemporary illness narratives meant to support students as they develop skills in empathetic communication.

My passion is education. I have taught undergraduate and graduate level courses in the Department of Romance Studies, the School of Data Science and Society, the School of Education, and the Gillings School of Global Public Health. I am constantly expanding my practice to better serve students, future practitioners, and our community.