What inspired your love for music? What has your musical journey been so far?

Music has always been a major part of my life! I started taking piano lessons at five, and began composing shortly after. I didn't think about composition as a separate practice, but more an extension of learning to play an instrument. I studied composition at Temple University for my undergraduate and masters in composition and cello performance, and I stayed there for a few years to teach theory. It was during this time that I also founded my nonprofit, Wildflower Composers, which supports and amplifies female, transgender, nonbinary, and genderqueer composers. In 2018, I started my PhD at the University of Pennsylvania & just finished up there in 2023.

What brought you to Swarthmore?

I know Tom Whitman through mutual connections in Philadelphia, and he recommended me for this position!

What is your area of specialization? What will you be teaching at Swarthmore?

I'm a composer and a cellist, and I'm currently teaching a Composition course at Swarthmore.

What excites you about being here? What are you looking forward to?

So much excites me about being at Swarthmore, but I've mainly felt very lucky to be working with the composition students. They come in each week with such great ideas and questions, and it's been very inspiring and fun to work with them so far. Next month, I'm looking forward to a composition masterclass with Roderick Williams, featuring student works that will be performed by soprano Clara Rottsolk and pianist Debra Scurto-Davis.

How has your semester been so far?

It's been great! The faculty and students have been incredibly welcoming, and I absolutely love coming to campus each week. It's such a beautiful and peaceful place.

Interesting facts/anything additional that you would like to share?

I love to cook, read fiction, & spend time with my husband and dog!