B. A., East Asian Studies with History minor, Oberlin College, 2000.
M.A., Sociocultural Anthropology, University of Washington, 2006.
Ph.C., Sociocultural Anthropology, University of Washington (PhD expected December 2009).

Teaching

My goal is to use anthropology to deepen students' understanding of diverse cultures and communities and to translate that understanding into a more compassionate approach to diversity in their own communities. I also draw heavily on examples from my own fieldwork in China to show the human side of abstract concepts. We can all learn from each other and I encourage students to share examples from their own lives as well.

I have taught courses on anthropology, visual media, and education at the University of Washington, including many with community-based learning components. When I teach the Anthropology of Education, I require students to choose a service learning site where they can see educational theories and social inequalities discussed in the classroom come to life. In other classes, students choose ethnographic field sites for short projects. These projects strengthen links between the university campus and the broader community and help students play an active role in their learning.

I also look for ways to reach students with different learning styles, incorporating visuals and sound wherever appropriate, and asking students to create photo essays that draw on skill sets beyond reading and writing in the classroom. In the Anthropology of Education course, we read about preschools in different cultures, watch video clips from two preschools, and then visit a preschool as a class. Back in the classroom I contextualize these experiences by encouraging students to discuss their own early childhood education and reflect on how they compare to education in other places. We often leave campus to learn more or invite visitors to share their knowledge with us as guest speakers.