As an assistant professor, I specialize in three different fields: Literary Studies, Gender Studies, and American Studies. My training is in Literary Studies, and I am affiliated with the Department of Film and Literary Studies at Leiden University. Within this department, I coordinate the minor program “Gender and Sexuality in Society and Culture.” In this minor, students learn about research on gender and sexuality from the perspective of cultural studies, exploring how different cultures across various times shape their views on gender and sexuality.

During my doctoral research, I also became involved in American Studies. Leveraging the expertise gained during this research, I teach courses on American culture and literature in the BA International Studies at Leiden University.

Central to my teaching philosophy is the idea of equity. No two students are the same, and every student should be able to study in an environment that allows their qualities to shine through. Unfortunately, this is not always the case in the university system. The system simply is not designed for students of color, first-generation students, gender nonconforming students, neurodiverse students, or students with physical disabilities. In my own teaching, I strive to take into consideration the diverse backgrounds and learning needs of my students as much as possible. I do this by conducting research into democratizing pedagogies, in which students have a say in the learning path that they embark on. Through this approach, I aim to encourage students to thrive at the level that suits them best.