What do you like about teaching?
Interacting with students and seeing them progress and learn and grow as we study material together. I feel that teaching is an important aspect of my continuing education; as I teach things that I’ve studied for years now, I learn more from what students add to the discussion.
Why did you become a professor?
I decided I wanted to be a professor when I was 12, when I had no idea what it entailed, I just I wanted to teach. I knew that teaching at the college level would give me an opportunity to study beyond what I would be able to do teaching high school. When I was older and really looking at professions I realized that being a professor would also give me the freedom to be with my family much more so than other careers, and that became as important as any other reason.
What are your research interests?
I am interested in philosophical and theological French literature. Right now I am focusing on satire of the reformation and wars of religion in 16th century France. I am also interested in musicology, and time keeping technology and how that was related to the social changes of the Protestant reformation.
How were you introduced to studying French?
In my family we were encouraged to study French in junior high and high school. My mother lived in Morocco as a child, where she learned French, and she wanted her children to learn French. I served a mission in the France Bordeaux mission, and while there I started reading French literature. I got a library card in every city I went to and read French classics, which led to my interest in philosophy.
What are your hobbies or other interests?
I play music; my main instruments are the tuba and the guitar. I also enjoy spending time with my family. And I like fixing things and working with my hands (of which mastery is still very much a work in progress...)
