Trading Coasts, Again

What a difference a year makes! Almost one year ago, I announced that I would be leaving Los Angeles for Washington DC, only to see the effects of COVID on Higher Education dramatically shift the way we teach, conduct research, and carry out our day-to-day tasks. I, therefore, was able to work remotely for American University from LA.

Although much has changed over the last year, racism and antiblackness remain a constant. We continue to uplift the families of those lost to state-sanctioned violence and institutional neglect of health and safety, while seeking to dismantle these systems of oppression. This spring, I had the opportunity to serve as an instructor to students whose brilliance and passions have shaped my understandings of social justice. I am so thankful for their acceptance of me as their professor as we worked to co-construct possibilities for addressing pressing issues in education.

In addition to my work in the classroom, I was privileged to work alongside an innovative and dedicated research team. I want to thank Dean Cheryl Holcomb-McCoy, Dr. Traci Dennis, and Dr. Winnie Chan for creating a professional environment where, despite living on the opposite coast, I felt a genuine sense of community. Their mentorship has role modeled how to transfer antiracist research into practice, as we seek to continually center the strengths and histories of Black students and communities in schools. The team at AU has prepared me for the next stage in my professional career.

With that said, I am very happy to announce that I will be joining the faculty at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Education as an assistant professor in the Digital Age Learning with Educational Technology program. I am excited to have the opportunity to work alongside a brilliant group of scholars, eager students, and engage with a vibrant local community.

So again, I say goodbye LA, thank you American University, and let’s get to work JHU.