I'm a contact linguist and creolist whose research centers on language emergence and change; the use and borrowing of highly multifunctional, context-dependent features of language (e.g., so, well, y’know); and the (meta)linguistic knowledge and lived experiences of language users. Dominica Creole (Kwéyòl Donmnik or Patwa) and its source languages are the focus of much of my work. I'm also interested in other Black language practices, such as African American Language. 

I've worked with collaborators to study Creole language attitudes among community members and linguistics educators, to promote the inclusion of Creoles and other minoritized languages in linguistics pedagogy (Check out The MULTI Project!), and to examine the linguistic and professional experiences of Black faculty in the language sciences (Check out Lifting As We Climb!). 

What I find most fulfilling about being a linguist is having opportunities to spark ah-ha! moments about language communities, varieties, and features that are marginalized, stigmatized, or overlooked. On this website, you will find more information about my work and my current goings-on. 

If you'd like to know more, I enjoy a good chat about language over a strong cup of herbal tea.