Biography

I am an anthropologist, educator, and independent researcher. After graduating from Bryn Mawr College with a B.S in anthropology, I began my teaching career in the New York City public schools. Teaching high school students in New York led me to pursue a career teaching at the University level. After completing a doctorate in cultural anthropology from Duke University, I went on to teach at Georgia Tech, Stanford University, and Santa Clara University. I continue to be engaged in academic research with a focus on women’s development in South Asia and on civil and political participation in the US.

Having worked with students for 30 years in the classroom and in office hours, I am drawn to working individually with students in order to help them grow both intellectually and personally. My approach to tutoring students is to encourage them to articulate their academic goals in collaboration with me and to become independent learners by recognizing and reflecting on their academic strengths and weaknesses. I work with students to develop their critical thinking skills and use English and history as a means by which to reflect on and develop students’ interpersonal skills so that they are better prepared after college.

When I am not teaching, I enjoy volunteering in my community and South Asian cultural associations, and I have worked for the US Census and as a vote center lead in California primary elections. I am also an avid golfer and enjoy yoga.