My research focuses on how both venues and their patrons activate commercial spaces as nurturing and valuable components in their local communities, specifically focused on LGBTQ+ spaces. I uncover complex interactional dynamics that create and maintain, or diminish, culturally queer spaces in both historical gay neighborhoods and small cities alike. I also pay close attention to how new media technologies shape venues and patrons’ experiences within them.

Currently, I am a Visiting Assistant Professor of Sociology at Bryn Mawr College. Previously, I was a Lecturer at Princeton University in the Writing Program, where I taught students how to conduct original research projects in the social sciences and humanities. I received my PhD in Sociology (with Distinction) from the University of Pennsylvania in 2021, with a Graduate Certificate in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies.

As an educator, my teaching incorporates scaffolded activities and assignments that allow students to bring their own interests and creativity into the classroom while also honing critical reading, speaking, and research skills through practice. I have taught seminars in both sociology and queer studies/theory at Penn, Princeton, and Bryn Mawr. In 2021, I was awarded a teaching award for inclusive teaching practices from the Program in Gender, Sexuality, and Women Studies at Penn.

As a freelance research consultant and strategist, I have leveraged my methodological and writing/editing tools to conduct customer experience projects for nonprofit and government organizations, informing new initiatives and products.

As a public speaker, I have led talks on inclusion at corporate employee resource groups for 200+ attendees, as well as research presentations at 7 national conferences.