Education

ST. JOHN'S UNIVERSITY

PhD, Literacy (expected 2025)

JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY

MA, Communication

​

UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA AT OMAHA

MS, Political Science

​

PENN STATE UNIVERSITY

BA, Law and Society

Roots

I grew up closely connected to my roots. My father was from Beirut, and my mother from Damascus. Centuries ago, our ancestors were from the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia and before that Van, Armenia. Their indomitable spirits are always with me. I draw strength from the wisdom and advice passed down by my esteemed maternal great-grandfather who was the Ottoman Empire's Municipal Doctor of Adana.

He saved the lives of many souls during the Armenian Genocide and his life was ultimately saved by a "real" Turkish Government Official. If not for him, our family's legacy would have ended a century ago.

This history is my motivation to thrive now and always!