Current Project
I am currently in Dhaka, Bangladesh establishing a writing center at the University of Dhaka. Click here to see a video about the English Writing Corner from the peer tutors. Stay tuned for more updates!
Prior to Bangladesh, I helped establish and launch a new writing center at Burapha University in Bangsaen, Thailand. Click here for a VIDEO introduction (kindly ignore typos in video, as it is still being edited). See more in the photo gallery.
The First Annual Report from the HU-SO English Writing Center in Thailand can be found HERE (.pdf).
Research
My primary interests are learner motivation, second language learning, peer tutoring, and writing center pedagogy. My dissertation for Indiana University of Pennsylvania was entitled "A Sociocultural Exploration of English Faculty Perceptions of American Design University in Qatar’s Writing Center". In 2013-14, I conducted a study entitled "Investigating Qatari Students' Use of the VCUQatar Writing Center." This project was funded by a Faculty Research Grant at VCUQatar.
I am also very interested in the connections between health, wellness, and writing. See "Wellness" tab above for more information. I spent many years applying for a number of grants and research funding sources in the hopes of obtaining a treadmill desk. Although those efforts were unsuccessful, I truly believe that a more healthy, wellness-oriented approach would improve the entire workforce. This includes space for meditation and relaxation, gyms for working out, and resource libraries to learn more about healthy lifestyles and eating habits. My dream was for VCUQatar to be a frontrunner in this area of research by re-designing the school with a conscious and holistic approach to promoting healthy living. Although I am no longer at VCUQatar, I hope to continue implementing small health and wellness changes wherever I work or volunteer.
I am also very interested in the connections between health, wellness, and writing. See "Wellness" tab above for more information. I spent many years applying for a number of grants and research funding sources in the hopes of obtaining a treadmill desk. Although those efforts were unsuccessful, I truly believe that a more healthy, wellness-oriented approach would improve the entire workforce. This includes space for meditation and relaxation, gyms for working out, and resource libraries to learn more about healthy lifestyles and eating habits. My dream was for VCUQatar to be a frontrunner in this area of research by re-designing the school with a conscious and holistic approach to promoting healthy living. Although I am no longer at VCUQatar, I hope to continue implementing small health and wellness changes wherever I work or volunteer.