Master’s degree in Sociology
Sociology Lecturer
Dallas, Texas
What do you do?
I am currently a sociology lecturer at the University of Texas at Dallas (Go Comets!). I teach multiple undergraduate sociology courses to EPPS students and beyond. My classes focus on taking sociological theories and applying them to modern, contemporary society through art, media, film, and other social sciences. My goal is to create a learning environment where my students not only learn something in the classroom but also enjoy what they are learning. The best part about being an educator is that learning is a two-way street. I am fortunate to learn so much from all of my incredible students every semester and appreciate all the intellectual diversity they bring forward. I knew that I wanted to be a professor since my first day of college, and having an opportunity to return and teach at the same university where I myself was a student is one my proudest accomplishments.
How has your EPPS education informed your work?
My EPPS education sets the foundation for how I facilitate my own classes. When I build my courses and think about content and assignments, the first thing I do is put myself in the shoes of my students. I feel that the best way to make students receptive towards learning is making what I teach relatable. During my EPPS education, I have taken classes with many professors who all had different teaching styles. I have taken what I liked from those styles to develop my own method which I feel works best for me. I also keep in mind that not all students learn the same way, so I do my best to incorporate variety into my courses.
Are there lessons learned at UT Dallas upon which you still rely? Mentors or classmates with whom you’ve remained in contact or remember fondly?
EPPS is a closer knit school at UTD, which means that you will often find the same group of students in each class you take with the same professors. This made us feel like a little family, and I am still close friends with many of my classmates long after graduation. However, it is the relationships that I built with my professors that have meant the most to me. Professors like Dr. Richard Scotch, Dr. Sheryl Skaggs, and Dr. Carol Lanham continue to be my mentors, and it was actually their recommendation that brought me back as faculty. I am so grateful to be among the greatest educators and honored to be a part of the UTD team!
Professional Honors and Recognition
What advice would you give current and future EPPS students?
There is no time limit on education. While it is important to have a plan when it comes to reaching your goals, it is ok when things don’t always go according to that plan. Your journey will be filled with all kinds of twists and turns, and taking the scenic route will make you appreciate the journey and the destination so much more. Remember that you deserve to be here and you owe it to yourself to do your best. Above all else, have fun and I hope I get to see you in my classroom!