What are the most impactful things you have done during your graduate program at Simmons?
The most impactful part of my doctoral journey was conducting my dissertation research, examining how school librarians understand and enact their roles in post-pandemic K–12 education. Through in-depth interviews with practicing librarians, I was able to document how their instructional, technological, and leadership responsibilities expanded during and after COVID-19. Listening to their experiences reinforced the importance of the profession and the need to ensure their work is understood and valued.
Equally meaningful was the opportunity to teach a course, “Fundamentals of School Librarianship” (LIS 459) at Simmons School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) as an adjunct instructor during my doctoral program. Teaching future school librarians and drawing directly from both my professional experience and my research was a dream come true. It allowed me to connect scholarship and practice in ways that felt deeply purposeful.
Tell us about your research and area of specialization.
My research focuses on how school librarians’ roles have evolved, particularly after the pandemic accelerated digital learning. Many people still think of librarians primarily as caretakers of books, but today’s school librarians teach information literacy, collaborate with teachers, integrate technology, and ensure students can navigate complex information environments.
I study how librarians themselves describe their work and how graduate programs can better prepare future librarians for modern school environments. My goal is to amplify their voices and help ensure the profession is accurately understood.
Did you participate in any internships/work experience during graduate school?
Teaching a course in school librarianship was truly a dream come true. After spending many years working as a school librarian, stepping into the role of preparing future librarians felt incredibly meaningful.
I was able to draw directly from both my professional experience and my doctoral research, helping students understand how the role of the school librarian has evolved and how they can serve as teachers, instructional partners, and leaders. That experience affirmed my commitment to higher education and to preparing future school librarians.
What was your favorite Simmons course and why?
The “Conducting Research” (LIS 621) course with Professor Emerita Rong Tang was especially meaningful. That course helped me refine my research questions and think more deeply about methodology and how to design a study that could meaningfully contribute to the field.
It was in that course that my dissertation began to take shape. Dr. Tang challenged me to think critically while also supporting my growth as a researcher.
Who was your most influential Simmons professor/mentor and why?
I was fortunate to learn from faculty who were deeply committed to their students and to the field. Associate Professor Melanie Kimball and faculty member Georgina Trebbe were especially influential mentors. They provided thoughtful guidance, asked important questions, and helped me develop confidence in my voice as a scholar.
Their mentorship shaped how I approach both research and teaching, and their support helped me grow into my role as an educator in higher education.
How has Simmons prepared you for your intended profession?
Simmons prepared me by strengthening both my research skills and my ability to connect scholarship to practice. The doctoral program provided rigorous training in research methods while also emphasizing the importance of contributing to professional conversations.
It also gave me the opportunity to teach and apply my research in real-world settings, which helped prepare me for a career in higher education preparing future school librarians.
How did you find your community at Simmons?
I found community through my relationships with faculty and fellow doctoral students. Class discussions, research conversations, and shared experiences created a strong sense of intellectual community.
The mentorship I received and the opportunity to engage in meaningful scholarly work helped me feel connected to both Simmons and the broader field of library and information science.
In your experience, what was the best thing about attending graduate school in Boston?
Boston is an incredible place to study library and information science. The city is home to world-class libraries, archives, and universities, and there are constant opportunities to engage with the profession.
Being part of such a vibrant academic and professional community was both inspiring and energizing.
What is your favorite Simmons memory?
Defending my dissertation was one of my most meaningful Simmons memories. It represented the culmination of years of work and the opportunity to contribute original research to the field.
It was a moment that reflected not only personal accomplishment, but also gratitude for the faculty and mentors who supported me throughout the journey.
What advice do you have for current and incoming Simmons students?
Take advantage of every opportunity to learn, connect, and grow. Build relationships with faculty, engage deeply with your research, and remain open to where your work may lead you.
Graduate school is challenging, but it is also transformative. Trust your voice and your ability to contribute to the profession.