“Education helps us to gain a sense of self and empowers us to consciously engage with the world. We learn how to ask thoughtful questions, formulate critical opinions, and take meaningful actions when we see injustices in our lives, community, nation, and world.”
Title
Assistant Professor of History
Educational Background
- Ph.D., University of Houston – Houston, TX
- M.A., University of Houston – Houston, TX
- B.A., Newman University – Wichita, KS
Year Joined Franklin
2020
Expertise
Modern European history, British history, East African history, environment and technology
What do you enjoy most about teaching about African History?
I believe that the most exciting part of learning is when you see the world from a new perspective. I had no intention of specializing in African History until I encountered the enthusiasm of one of my professors. I came to recognize my misconceptions of Africa and replaced them with a deep appreciation for the incredible diversity and dynamism of African societies. I find fulfillment in helping students explore the complex and compelling histories, societies, and cultures of Africa that have shaped the world from the beginning of human history through today.
Selected Professional Accomplishments
Honors and Awards
U.S. Department of State, Office of the Historian, Virtual Student Foreign Service, 2017
University of Houston, Dissertation Completion Fellowship, 2015
Grants
North America Conference on British Studies, Stern Grant, 2015
Selected Scholarship
“Transport in Tanzania,” Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Africa History, Oxford University Press, forthcoming, https://oxfordre.com/africanhistory.
“South Asian entrepreneurs in the automotive age: negotiating a place of belonging in colonial and post-colonial Tanzania,” Journal of Eastern African Studies 13.3, 2019.
Presenter, “Dirt Cheap: Assessing the Failures of Road Engineering in Tanzania.” Society for History of Technology Annual Conference, 2018.
“Roads and Travel in Tanzania: A Reflection on History & Current Trends.” T2M: Transport, Traffic, and Mobility. April 23, 2018. https://t2m.org/publications/roads-and-travel-in-tanzania-a-reflection-on-history-current-trends/
In My Spare Time…
I love spending time with my family. Whether it is a walk in the park or baking bread from scratch, every day is full of mini adventures. I also love to travel. I am very excited to support and participate in Franklin’s study abroad programs.