Research Interests
Through the use of Qadi and Probate court cases on Pemba Island, my research examines the gendered social dynamics of emancipation for all strata of society on the island. My book manuscript, “Courting Community” shows how former slave and free people used the courts as a public space to debate and construct new understandings of respectability, identity and gender roles. My next research project explores transitions in the concept of love along the Swahili coast of East Africa from 1880 to 1950. By studying the language of love, I will show the gendered nature of emotion, romance and marriage.

Teaching Interests
My teaching interests range widely across the African continent and are deeply connected to my research. I have taught courses on slavery and emancipation in Africa and one focusing on gender and sexuality in 19th and 20th centuries. I am also very interested in human rights and teach a course on genocide in the 20th century. In addition to survey courses, I look forward to teaching a class on Africana archival materials and another on law in colonial Africa. The classroom experience is enriched through the use of visual materials, primary source documents and the occasionally African meal.