Tonia in Diamondback

Celebrating women in the University.

Check out the April 9 Diamondback, where Tonia is featured in a piece that "Celebrate[s] Women's History Month with UMD's anthology of women." The newspaper asked students to nominate faculty members at Maryland who "make a lasting impact on students daily," so they could then ask about the faculty member's own history, goals and relationships as a teacher at our University. No surprise to any of us, Tonia was nominated! And here is her full response to the Diamondback's questions, which are edited for brevity in the article:

• "When I was in graduate school, working towards my PhD in linguistics, I was worried that my work was not about helping people. Because I was interested in linguistics as pure science, it felt like the impact of my work on society was too remote. One of my best friends, Christina, who was a year ahead of me in the program and very wise, told me that just by being a woman scientist and professor, I would be a role model and a mentor for my students, and THAT would make the world a better place. I treasure that advice, and I deeply believe it. In my roles as an academic advisor and as a lecturer, I strive to make personal connections with my students and help them to realize their potential. Over my 21 years at UMD, I’ve learned to value the unique perspectives that each of my students brings, and I cherish the relationships that I have developed with them."