Student, Aspiring Digital Public Historian, African American History & Health explorer
Hi, I am a graduate student in the Master of Arts in History program at George Mason University, with a concentration in applied history. My academic and professional focus revolves around digital preservation and historical digital storytelling, with an emphasis on 20th-century African American and Urban history. My research examines themes of place and space, including placemaking, Black Main Streets, and community activism and resistance, exploring how these dynamics intersect to shape and transform American society. My work and research focus on challenging and confronting past interpretations of urban and/or Black spaces.
Roots and Routes
I am a proud New York City native, and my background has undoubtedly shaped my interests. Having lived in all five boroughs of NYC, I’ve had a front-row seat to the distinct spatial identities, styles, and cultural histories that give each one its own vibe. Although my family came from various regions of the South and the islands, over the years, each wave of our family found its way to Harlem, the mecca of Black America, making it the heart of our story through 4 generations. This collective journey has shaped my curiosity.
Before transitioning to history, I had a dedicated career in medicine. My career as a physician in community health also nurtured an interest in the intersections of local history, urban policy, and the status of vulnerable communities. Both careers are rooted in a shared passion: the desire to preserve community.
Living the Archive
Now based in the DMV, I look forward to exploring more of the spatial history of D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia and how these communities intersect to shape and transform American society. I have the opportunity to explore a unique mix of local history institutions that celebrate the region’s layered history and the nation’s richest archival and cultural collections.
Yet to Be Mapped
I’m driven to bring the hidden histories of marginalized communities to light. My passion lies in using digital tools to uncover these stories and share them through compelling online experiences and accessible resources, all while ensuring their long-term preservation. This blog is an evolving space where I will share my exciting journey and share insights from my research, work, and studies. The views and opinions expressed here are my own and do not reflect those of any institution.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Tools & Platforms:
ArcGIS, StoryMapJS, OpenRefine, Excel, metadata schemas, CMS platforms, basic HTML familiarity - Core Skills:
Digitization workflows, metadata tagging, file migration, historical narrative scripting, digital exhibit building, public storytelling - Digitization & Access:
Hands-on experience scanning and organizing large volumes of federal documents, including metadata entry, quality assurance, and long-term digital preservation. I’ve worked to make institutional records more accessible and searchable—especially materials connected to historically marginalized communities. - Structured Data & Analysis:
Fluent in spreadsheet systems and data cleaning tools (like OpenRefine), with experience managing inventories, extracting data, and identifying historical patterns across records