Teaching
I love teaching students how to see the social systems shaping everyday life. In 2019, I won the UConn AAUP Teaching Excellence Award: Early Career. I teach a wide variety of courses in medical sociology, disability studies, feminist theory, science & technology studies, qualitative methods, and writing for publication. In every class, my pedagogy is driven by an Ethos of Care. Whatever my students go on to do in their lives, I want them to leave my courses feeling that their needs were met and valued, that they can feel confident in their critical thinking skills, and that they are ready to be thoughtful 21st century citizens.
Courses
- Undergraduate: Gender & Science; Feminist Disability Studies; Critical Approaches in Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies, and Biotechnology, Disability and the Family.
- Graduate: Qualitative Research Methods 1 & 2, Feminist Approaches to Disability, Illness, and Care, Feminist Epistemologies and Methodologies, and Writing for Publication
Student Testimonials
“I really like that I can critically analyze my surroundings and society. This has probably been one of the most useful classes I have taken during my college career. I learned HOW to think.”—Student in Feminist Disability Studies
“It gave me a much broader perspective on medicalization and biotechnology that I barely knew existed; it’s taught me about the different moral decisions I will have to make (as a woman, a mother, a responsible member of society) and a whole other sphere of disability that I’ve never honestly taken to heart.”—Student in Biotechnology, Disability and the Family
“This course gave me a sense of individuality and made me feel that I can have a part in the construction of knowledge rather than merely memorizing information that is fed to me…The course shows how little we often know of important social and medical issues.”—Student in Gender and Science
“It’s extremely important for [healthcare practitioners] to be aware of medicine and science from this perspective because it’s relevant. It’s real and it matters. This isn’t what they directly teach you in those 6+ years of med school. There it’s all about the books. Here it was all about the people.”—Student in Biotechnology, Disability and the Family
It gives me a ground to stand on. A firm one. It gives me confidence to stand on that ground and to build on it; to challenge people who threaten it and ignore it…with society so rapidly changing this is necessary. You can’t know where you stand or make change if you’re ignorant. This course has removed me from that category..”—Student in Biotechnology, Disability and the Family
Resources
- STS + Disability Studies Reading List
With the input of some other folks, I’ve put together a non-exhaustive list of key readings at the intersection of science and technology studies (STS) and disability studies. - Sociology of Disability & Covid-19 Resource List
Early in the pandemic, I kept a running list of academic and journalist writing and resources on the pandemic as it pertains to disability. - Course Ethos of Care
After the pandemic hit, I crafted this document to use in my classes. It sets the tone for how we’re going to take care of each other. Please feel free to use in your pedagogy! - Resources for Disabled People in Academia
With the help of others, I put together this list of organizations, books, articles and other resources that disabled faculty might find useful while navigating higher ed. - Accessible Campus Action Alliance
When the pandemic hit, some disabled faculty and disability scholars got together to craft a response. The result was our statement on “Beyond High Risk: Statement on Disability and Campus Re-openings,” and later some additional resources that can also be found on the site. - Disability at Home
During my research on caregiving and disability, I spoke to people across the country and asked them to send photos of how they create access at home. This site is full of life hacks and creative tips for making life work—from navigating the house, dealing with incontinence, and repurposing everyday items.