I am a specialist in French and Francophone literatures and cultures. I earned my PhD from Indiana University, where I also minored in African Studies and Near Eastern Languages & Cultures. Over the years at Colorado State University, I have had the privilege of teaching about 20 different courses, covering topics in language, literature, literary theory, culture, and cinema. I've also been fortunate to contribute to programs like International Development Studies, Middle Eastern & North African Studies, and Women’s Studies. I benefited from my experience as a fellow of the Faculty Institute for Inclusive Excellence, and I have been able to invite nearly 30 visiting scholars to campus. I also enjoy supporting our students with their Education Abroad and international internship experiences, and I volunteer with the CSU's ACT Human Rights Film Festival, where I serve on the selection committee and as a translator/interpreter.

My research focuses on North African and French literatures, the connections between literature and the arts, and multilingualism. I have published a book called Picturing the Maghreb: Photography, Literature and (Re)presentation, as well as a number of book chapters and articles in journals like The French Review, Nouvelles études francophones, the International Journal of Francophone Studies, and the Journal of North African Studies. I'm currently working on a book project that explores literary and cultural discourses on contemporary Moroccan art.

I am grateful to have received research grants from Fulbright and the American Institute for Maghrebi Studies for my work. At CSU, I've had the opportunity to direct three Bimson Humanities Seminars and a U.S. Department of Education grant for International Studies and Foreign Languages (UISFL). I also received external funding to co-curate an exhibit of Middle East/North African art at CSU's Hatton Gallery with other CSU faculty. The Caravanserai exhibit was also displayed at the Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures here in Fort Collins.

On the administrative side, I have served as the chair of the Department of Languages, Literatures & Cultures at CSU (2014-2019), and as Academic Dean and Chief Academic Officer for Semester at Sea. I have served on Faculty Council and the Strategic and Financial Planning Committee, and I'm a member of the American Association of University Professors. I was honored to be recognized by CSU with the Pennock Distinguished Service Award, the College of Liberal Arts Distinction in Advancement Award, and a Globie Award for outstanding contributions to International Programs.

Beyond the university, I am passionate about advocating for language education. I've held leadership positions with the American Association of Teachers of French and I'm currently serving on the Board of Directors of AXIS International Academy, an immersion school for French, Spanish, and Mandarin. I was particularly proud when the French government recognized AXIS's French program with the Label Francéducation in 2024.

This fall, I am very happy to be back in the classroom with my curious, generous, and intrepid students!