RESEARCH AREAS- African immigrant youth identities - African multilingual and translanguaging practices - Racial digital literacies - Intergenerational family semiotics - Postcolonial ethnographic methodologies - Black multilingual teacher education -
- African immigrant youth identities - African multilingual and translanguaging practices - Racial digital literacies - Intergenerational family semiotics - Postcolonial ethnographic methodologies - Black multilingual teacher education -
The University of Texas at Austin, Ph.D.
CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY STUDIES
Teachers College, Columbia University, M.A.
CURRICULUM AND TEACHING, LITERACY SPECIALIST PROGRAM
Michigan State University, B.A.
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
I am an Assistant Professor of Language, Literacy, and Culture in Teaching, Learning & Curriculum. Raised between my Nigerian and African American cultures, my hybrid identity is reflected in my work that focuses on Black African immigrant youth. Specifically, my research explores the role of language, literacy, including digital literacies, in Black African immigrant youth identity constructions and negotiations across school, community, and digital spaces. I pay particular attention to the intersection of racialization and socialization processes that influence their identities.
I draw on my lived experiences, the wisdom of my former middle school students, and the arts to inform my creative approach to shifting static ideas about identity. A critical part of my work includes putting my research and critical theories into practice through community partnerships to supoprt youth of color identities and overall well-being.
My academic scholarship has appeared in the Journal of Literacy of Research, Teachers College Record, and the Journal of Research in Childhood Education. My public scholarship has been featured on various formats, including TEDx, ESSENCE Magazine, NPR Radio, ZORA, and SXSW.
Interested in learning more about my research, click here.