What sparked your passion for the Italian language and culture?

My passion for Italian began as a deep curiosity about the language I used to listen to my cousins speak with their Italian father. I originally started my B.A. in the College of Science studying Dietetics and Nutrition, but everything changed when I began taking Italian classes. Day by day, I realized that the highlight of my day wasn’t my core courses, but the Italian class. That passion grew stronger when I started reading Dante’s Inferno in the original language. From that point on, I wanted to read more and more in Italian. At my university library, I discovered several novels by Carlo Cassola and devoured them all. They were entertaining and accessible enough for my level of Italian at the time. I felt a deep connection to the language and was driven to create more opportunities to grow closer to it. Living and studying in Florence and immersing myself in everyday Italian life solidified this passion. I became especially fascinated by the way language and culture are deeply intertwined, and I knew I wanted to help others discover that beauty too.

And for teaching?

Throughout my academic journey, I was fortunate to have inspiring professors who left a lasting impact on me. Their passion, dedication, and ability to ignite curiosity in their students made me want to follow in their footsteps. I’ve always admired how a good teacher can plant something meaningful in others simply by sharing what they love. That’s what motivated me to pursue teaching. I truly enjoy creating meaningful, engaging experiences in and outside the classroom. When I see students interacting, learning each other’s names, and building a sense of community, I know the course is succeeding. I find great fulfillment in helping students grow in confidence—not only in using the language but also in themselves and in their relationships with others. Their enthusiasm and creativity inspire me every day.

What do you like about your work in our department, and what challenges do you face?

I truly appreciate the supportive and collaborative environment of our department. Our Director of Language Instruction, Professor Serafin, has been an incredible mentor to me. I’ve learned so much from her about instruction, course coordination, and leadership. Being surrounded by other faculty members and associate instructors makes this environment incredibly enriching and formative for my professional growth. One ongoing challenge is ensuring that our courses remain both innovative and accessible, especially as students navigate increasingly busy academic lives.

Can you tell us a little about Italian Culture Week? How does it enrich our language program?

Italian Culture Week is one of the highlights of our program. It takes place during the second week of October, coinciding with the Week of the Italian Language in the World, an international initiative organized by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During this week, our program hosts cultural activities outside the classroom to provide immersive and experiential learning opportunities for our students.

Last fall, I organized a special event featuring the Pazzi Lazzi troupe, who performed Commedia dell’Arte and led a hands-on workshop. Students often invite friends, and members of the Bloomington community are welcome to participate as well. This helps promote our program and fosters broader cultural engagement beyond the classroom. Italian Culture Week connects students with Italian traditions in dynamic, memorable ways and reinforces the real-world relevance of the language they study. It also strengthens our community by encouraging collaboration, curiosity, and a shared appreciation for Italian culture.

What are your plans for the future? What improvements do you hope to implement at IU—and maybe beyond?

Looking ahead, I’m excited to experiment with new teaching strategies such as project-based learning and multimodal assignments that integrate technology, creativity, and collaboration. I aim to develop more interactive activities like cultural role-plays, digital storytelling, and peer-led workshops, and share these innovations at teaching conferences. I’m committed to continuing my professional development through fellowships such as the Intercultural Competency Certificate and the Career Connection Fellowship, which will help me further connect language learning to students’ personal and professional goals. I also hope to expand our program’s visibility through community events, outreach, and digital media. Long-term, I’m especially interested in curriculum development with a focus on intercultural communication, and I hope to lead study abroad initiatives that immerse students in Italian language and culture firsthand.

What do you do in your free time? Do you enjoy Bloomington?

In my free time, I enjoy going to contra dance and salsa dance events. I also love visiting Brown County State Park for long trail walks. I enjoy riding my bike to work and playing tennis whenever I can. During Indiana’s harsh winters, I enjoy knitting, reading, and exploring museums and small art galleries, or discovering new gastronomic experiences. But really, Taste of India won my heart. Bloomington has been a wonderful place to live—the cultural events, natural surroundings, and strong sense of community make it very special.