Political polarization extends beyond the gridlock on Capitol Hill. In universities, partisan and ideological divides complicate policymaking, exacerbate long-standing socioeconomic disparities, and directly impact the day-to-day operations of the institution. Localized political polarization often manifests as intense debates between progressive advocates, moderate establishment figures, and financial oversight committees. This friction creates a challenging environment for addressing urgent community needs.

In tandem with increasing political polarization, the U.S. population has experienced an exponential increase in diagnosed mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. For example, according to a Gallup-Lumina Report released in April 2022, more than three-quarters of bachelor’s degree students had considered dropping out of school in the six months prior due to emotional stress.

Through my future dissertation work, I plan to study political polarization, mental health, and the role higher education can play in mitigating the negative cycle between the two.

I currently work full-time as a program manager for an NGO headquartered in Washington, D.C. and have a professional background in nonprofit program management, international education initiatives, and global leadership curriculum design. While a Midwesterner at heart, I appreciate the warmer climate of the Mid-Atlantic; in my free time, I enjoy reading, trying new coffees, and spending time with my husband and three-legged rescue dog, Mochi.

"The Effect of Culture and Acculturation on the Mental Health of International Students: Implications for U.S. and Chinese Universities." In The Rise of US-China International Cooperation in Higher Education: Views from the Field, edited by Li Li Ji and Christopher Johnstone, The Netherlands: Sense Publishers, 2018. 

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