I am an assistant professor in the Division of Educational Leadership and Innovation at Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. My educational training is in anthropology, education, and Middle East and North African studies from the University of Arizona and Teachers College, Columbia University.  

I believe that the remedy for most social issues can be found in community based organizing. I am passionate about research that highlights the resilience, capacity-building, and organizing efforts of marginalized communities, particularly with regard to education and learning. Much of my research focuses on the experiences of immigrants, refugees, or those of the first generation. I also have a strong interest in identity formation, practices of inclusion and exclusion, and Islamic education. 

Before joining MLFTC, I taught at the University of Arizona and Pima Community College. I also have experience teaching elementary and middle school in the K-12 public school system and was the principal of a private K-5 Islamic school.