I am an Associate Professor of Philosophy and Affiliate Faculty in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Florida International University.
My research discusses what it is like to be embodied in a social world. How are norms governing the body’s appearance, such as beauty standards, shaped by gender and race? What does it feel like to be objectified? What bodily habits do we adopt when interacting with people of different social backgrounds than our own? I also teach a wide array of courses on gender and race, existentialism, and the philosophy of death.
Inspired by the idea of philosophy as a way of life, I write and teach about timely topics to show how philosophical reflection can help us lead flourishing lives. I am passionate about bringing to light a wide range of philosophical topics for readers who are new to the field.
My essays for a general audience have been featured in Medium, the Project Vox blog, and other venues. My piece “Body Positivity Is Fixated on Beauty — Here’s How to Fix That” was featured in Psyche and awarded a prize by the American Philosophical Association for one of the best public philosophy op-eds of 2023.
My articles “What Is Body Positivity? The Path from Shame to Pride” and “Anatomy of the Thigh Gap” have attracted a wide readership. I have been interviewed for my expertise on body image for a VOGUE article on body positivity, an Atlantic article on having conversations with children about beauty, and a New York Times article on body inclusivity and swimwear.
I'm also the creator of the "Why Philosophy?" Substack, a newsletter which features posts by philosophy professors, students, and other lovers of wisdom sharing how they came to philosophy and what keeps them going.
Before arriving at FIU, I completed my B.A. and Ph.D. at Harvard University.
My research discusses what it is like to be embodied in a social world. How are norms governing the body’s appearance, such as beauty standards, shaped by gender and race? What does it feel like to be objectified? What bodily habits do we adopt when interacting with people of different social backgrounds than our own? I also teach a wide array of courses on gender and race, existentialism, and the philosophy of death.
Inspired by the idea of philosophy as a way of life, I write and teach about timely topics to show how philosophical reflection can help us lead flourishing lives. I am passionate about bringing to light a wide range of philosophical topics for readers who are new to the field.
My essays for a general audience have been featured in Medium, the Project Vox blog, and other venues. My piece “Body Positivity Is Fixated on Beauty — Here’s How to Fix That” was featured in Psyche and awarded a prize by the American Philosophical Association for one of the best public philosophy op-eds of 2023.
My articles “What Is Body Positivity? The Path from Shame to Pride” and “Anatomy of the Thigh Gap” have attracted a wide readership. I have been interviewed for my expertise on body image for a VOGUE article on body positivity, an Atlantic article on having conversations with children about beauty, and a New York Times article on body inclusivity and swimwear.
I'm also the creator of the "Why Philosophy?" Substack, a newsletter which features posts by philosophy professors, students, and other lovers of wisdom sharing how they came to philosophy and what keeps them going.
Before arriving at FIU, I completed my B.A. and Ph.D. at Harvard University.