About Me

I am a mathematician, professor, and lifelong learner who believes mathematics is a creative, connected, and deeply human way of understanding the world. My work brings together research, teaching, and community outreach, all guided by a desire to help others experience mathematics as something meaningful, approachable, and full of possibility.

My interest in mathematics grew from more than simply enjoying calculations or finding correct answers. I was drawn to the reasoning behind mathematics—the creativity involved in recognizing patterns, making connections, and explaining why something works. Over time, I came to see mathematics not only as a subject to study, but also as a language for exploring complex ideas and solving problems in new ways.

I had many influential educators along the way who helped me to realize that the beauty of math is in logical connections and reasoning, not in numbers or calculations.

My own experiences as a student also shaped the kind of mathematician and educator I wanted to become. They taught me that struggling with mathematics can be an important part of learning and that a thoughtful explanation can make all the difference in helping someone move from frustration to understanding.

I began my academic journey at McNeese State University, where I earned a B.S. in Mathematical Sciences in 2019 and a M.S. in Mathematical Sciences in 2020. I wrote my master's thesis under the supervision of Dr. Neil Carnes on a topic in Combinatorial Design Theory. McNeese gave me a strong foundation in mathematics while also helping me hone my interest in teaching, research, and service to the community.

I continued my education at Auburn University, where I earned my Ph.D. in Mathematics with a research focus in Discrete Mathematics and Mathematics Discipline-Based Education Research under the supervision of Dr. Melinda Lanius. During my time at Auburn, I studied how students learn mathematics and explored how tools from graph theory, combinatorics, and quantitative analysis can be used to investigate mathematical tasks, textbooks, curricula, and student experiences. I was also inspired by my involvement in mathematical outreach and by some incredibly creative professors who helped me to see that mathematics is a playful, creative endeavor.

I am now an Assistant Professor of Mathematics at McNeese State University, where I have the privilege of teaching and conducting research at the university that first laid the foundation for my career. My research crosses several areas, including discrete mathematics, mathematical task analysis and design, textbook and curriculum analysis, and student learning, persistence, and engagement. My mathematical journey has allowed me to travel the world, sharing my perspective, philosophy, and research with people around the globe.

In my additional role as Freshman Math Coordinator, I apply my expertise to streamlining mathematics instructors' workflow, scheduling departmental professional development opportunities, recruiting prospective students, and running our department social media pages (search @mcneesedms on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn).

I am also passionate about creating opportunities for people to experience mathematics beyond the traditional classroom. Through initiatives such as Rowdy’s Math Rodeo, I work with students, educators, and community partners to make advanced mathematical ideas accessible through play, exploration, and hands-on learning.

Creativity plays an important role in both my professional and personal life. Outside of mathematics, I enjoy cooking, creating art, reading, and traveling. These interests continually remind me that creativity, curiosity, and discovery are not confined to any one discipline—they are ways of engaging with the world.