What perspective do you bring as the new Editor-In-Chief of Minnesota Law Review? 

Before law school I taught high school English for eight years. As a teacher, it was my responsibility to facilitate meaningful learning experiences, to foster equity and inclusion, and to build community. I hope to bring a similar approach to my work as editor-in-chief. 

What are you hoping to accomplish?

The scholarship that Minnesota Law Review publishes can have profound effects. It is humbling to hear about how the articles we publish have changed our authors’ careers for the better and have inspired action in the legal world. My hope is to use this platform thoughtfully and responsibly to effect positive change in the law. 

Any previews you can give us of Vol. 108 or the next symposium?

Our symposium will focus ongun violence and the Second Amendment in the aftermath of U.S. Supreme Court’s decisionin New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen, which held New York’s proper-cause requirement for obtaining an unrestricted license to carry a concealed firearm violates the Fourteenth Amendment. Symposium Editor Chad Nowlan is doing incredible work to plan this event. We have already received a great deal of enthusiasm and support for this urgent topic. 

What originally motivated you to go to law school?

The pandemic made me think differently about how I might be able to contribute to positive change in the world. I loved teaching literature, and I was lucky to have wonderful students and colleagues. I found a great deal of meaning in my work as a teacher. Still, I wanted to see what might be possible with a legal education, so I decided to apply to law school. 

Why did you select Minnesota Law?

I moved to Minnesota in 2013. Over the past ten years, the Twin Cities have become my home. I was eager to develop a deeper connectionto the community, so going to Minnesota Law felt like the perfect choice. 

What has been your favorite Minnesota Law experience so far?

I have had so many amazing experiences at Minnesota Law, there are a lot I could mention. Recently, I’ve felt particularly lucky to learn from Professor Elizabeth Bentley in the Civil Rights Appellate Clinic, from Professor Jill Hasday in Fourteenth Amendment Constitutional Law, from Professor Amy Sweasy in Evidence Drafting, and from Nate Freeman and Lisa Beane ’13 in the Gender and Sexuality Moot Court Competition Team. 

How did you spend your 1L summer?

I was a summer associate at Dorsey & Whitney in Minneapolis. I am looking forward to returning tothe firm for my 2L summer. 

What does being a Lawyer-Leader mean to you?

It’s an enormous privilege to receive a legal education. The law affects all of us, in ways seen and unseen, and it’s empowering to learn how the law works. Being a lawyer-leader means using one’s legal education and one’s unique skills and perspectives to work toward positive change. 

What is something about you that others might find surprising?

I’m writing a play. 

How do you like to spend your free time?

I love good food, so I enjoy exploring the Twin Cities restaurant scene. I also enjoy the arts, especially theater. 

What are some of your student activities at the law school?

Outside of MLR, I am a member of OutLaw (the LGBTQ+ law student association) and APALSA (the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association). I also work for the Admissions Office as an admissions ambassador.