Kristen is an artist-scholar committed to creating transformative leadership and curriculum in higher education. Currently, she is a PhD student in the Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education Program. She is a first-generation college student, identifies as Filipino American, and queer woman of color.  Her research interests include critical approaches to graduate socialization and academic capitalism in higher education. Specifically, her dissertation analyzes the role of academic socialization and values in determining graduate appointments through a critical mixed-methods analysis.

 

Since joining MSU, Kristen has led the EAD 315: Undergraduate Student Leadership Training and mentored teaching apprenticeship In this role, Kristen gained an interest for educational technology and instructional design. Within her first year, Kristen created a 5-module training and professional development program for first-time graduate and staff instructors at MSU. 

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As a complement to her academic work, Kristen created an arts-based research website and archive called “Spirit Work” to examine doctoral socialization, identity, and immigrant histories for Filipina American women in higher education. Additionally, Kristen is immersed in the Greater Lansing community as a facilitator for the Queer Poetry of Color group via The Thought Club and as an affiliate of Queering Medicine.