As a researcher in the fields of anthropology and linguistics, I work collaboratively with members of diverse language communities. Respect for autonomy, language choice, and cultural practice are essential to building and maintaining strong ties with communities. I demonstrate this respect by valuing the discourse and practice norms of a community. I view my role in language communities as a resource and facilitator rather than an authority.
As an instructor and mentor, I support the learning needs of students with differing cultural, ethnic, linguistic, familial, gender, ability, and academic backgrounds by creating a welcoming environment where all students are afforded respect. Toward this goal, I design courses and learning activities to enable participation and expression of learning in multiple modes and to accommodate varied learning styles and physical and mental abilities. I use team-based learning to encourage collaboration and scaffolding. I demonstrate respect for diversity in my own speech and interactions with students and clearly articulate in the syllabus the expectations for classroom discourse and civil debate.
As a writer, I humanize the groups about which I write, using their preferred group names, not assuming a humanistic use of the male pronoun, and avoiding or even challenging stereotype. Further, I write collaboratively and in a style accessible to the communities with which I work.
As a professional, I continue my education toward valuing diversity and inclusion. In addition to respecting learners enough to intentionally study education and earn a graduate certificate in teaching, including coursework on learning diversity and accessibility, I have completed several diversity trainings, including LGBTQ Faculty Ally training at the University of Oklahoma and Diversity and Inclusion training at the University of Arizona. In my service to department and institution, I work to overcome unconscious bias to ensure the inclusion of underrepresented groups in university, departmental, and outreach programs.
The university should provide a welcoming environment for all learners, faculty, staff, visitors, and community affiliates. I view it as my responsibility to ensure that my actions and the actions of my students provide that welcoming environment.