Danielle Schoon - Academic Identity

Summary

In this engaging talk, Dr. Danielle Schoon shares her diverse journey as an educator, highlighting her interdisciplinary background in religious studies, dance studies, cultural anthropology, and Middle Eastern studies. Emphasizing her passion for creativity, lifelong learning, and connecting with people, she reflects on her unexpected path to becoming a lecturer at OSU. Dr. Schoon also recounts a transformative encounter with Dr. Joann Kealiinohomoku, a dance anthropologist, who inspired her to integrate her varied interests, ultimately affirming that her role embodies her ideal job.

Takeaways

• 👩‍🏫 Dr. Danielle Schoon is a senior lecturer in the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures (NELC) and also teaches in Sociology and other departments.
• 🌍 She considers herself an educator first, combining her experiences as an artist, activist, anthropologist, and academic.
• 📚 Dr. Schoon has an interdisciplinary educational background with degrees in religious studies, dance studies, and a dual Ph.D. in cultural anthropology and Middle Eastern studies.
• 💡 She realized her dream job description involved working with people, being creative, traveling, and continuous learning.
• 🎓 Initially, she did not secure a tenure-track position after the job market but found fulfillment as a lecturer at OSU.
• ✨ The role of lecturer aligns with her original job description and allows her to do what she loves.
• 😟 As an undergraduate, Dr. Schoon felt pressure to decide on her future career early on, which was daunting.
• 🌺 While exploring her university campus, she discovered the 'cross-cultural dance resources' that sparked her interest in dance anthropology.
• 👵 Dr. Joann Kealiinohomoku, a dance anthropologist, became a mentor and encouraged her to integrate her diverse interests.
• 🌈 Dr. Schoon emphasizes the importance of pursuing multiple passions and not narrowing one's focus in academia.

Q & A

What departments does Dr. Danielle Schoon teach in?

Dr. Danielle Schoon teaches in the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures, the Department of Sociology, and sometimes in political science, dance, anthropology, and comparative studies.

What educational background does Dr. Schoon have?

Dr. Schoon holds a bachelor's degree in religious studies, a master's degree in dance studies, and a dual Ph.D. in cultural anthropology and Middle Eastern studies.

How does Dr. Schoon describe her current role?

Dr. Schoon describes herself primarily as an educator, stating that her diverse experiences as an artist, activist, anthropologist, and academic come together in her role as a lecturer.

What is Dr. Schoon's approach to her career and interests?

Dr. Schoon emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, expressing a desire to work with people, be creative, travel, learn continuously, and teach others.

Did Dr. Schoon initially achieve a tenure track position?

No, Dr. Schoon did not secure a tenure track position after going on the job market, which initially left her feeling disappointed.

How did Dr. Schoon eventually feel about her position as a lecturer?

Dr. Schoon found that her role as a lecturer at OSU allowed her to fulfill the job description she had envisioned for herself, including creativity, teaching, and learning.

What was a pivotal moment for Dr. Schoon during her undergraduate years?

A pivotal moment occurred when she discovered the 'cross-cultural dance resources' house on her campus, sparking her interest in the intersection of dance and culture.

Who did Dr. Schoon meet at the 'cross-cultural dance resources' house?

Dr. Schoon met Dr. Joann Kealiinohomoku, a dance anthropologist who became a significant mentor in her undergraduate education.

What was Dr. Schoon's realization about her academic interests?

Dr. Schoon realized that she could integrate her diverse interests and passions, and that it was acceptable to embrace multiple academic pursuits without narrowing her focus.

What does Dr. Schoon believe about being a 'forever student'?

Dr. Schoon expresses a strong desire to be a 'forever student,' indicating her commitment to continuous learning and personal growth throughout her career.