Faculty Directory

After graduating from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with my MSW, I worked for five years in both clinical and macro roles. These include work as a hospice social worker and bereavement coordinator, as well as work with immigrants and refugees. While working at the International Rescue Committee, I supervised MSW interns and supported asylum seekers. In addition, I also provided employment coordination for recent arrivals through the Afghan Placement and Assistance (APA) program. Through this role, I formalized a desire to unveil the short- and long-term economic and health disparities associated with immigration legal status.

My interest in gerontology, particularly within the context of immigrant older adults, financial capability, and workforce development, is deeply personal and professionally motivated. Having witnessed the challenges faced by immigrant populations in managing their finances, particularly those that are undocumented, I am driven to explore how financial stress and economic opportunities impact the well-being and retirement trajectories of older adults.