I first began learning German in the 4th grade in a once-a-week after school class taught by none other than Susan Schlesinger. I took to the language immediately, and continued to study German with Susan all through my middle and high school years. I am currently working towards a Bachelor’s degree in German (minor in History) at Portland State University. I plan to enter graduate school immediately after this in order to pursue a Ph.D in German language and literature. To this end, I am also in the process of learning Italian for my graduate reading exams down the road.

Aside from German, my chief academic focus is medieval European history, and I have been able to incorporate my German abilities in this area of study with great success. Given my particular focus in cultural history, I am extremely interested in old and middle high German texts (ca 10th through 13th centuries AD), which I hope to utilize in future studies and theses.

Aside from academics and language, I am an active musician in the Portland area, an eager traveler, and a voracious reader. I enjoy long walks on the beach and Italian cuisine.