I am a geographer with over three years of experience in teaching and researching local histories and human-environmental relations in mainland Southeast Asia, particularly concerning the gendered impacts of hydropower development among ethnic Lao peoples in northeastern Thailand, southern Laos, and northeastern Cambodia. I am interested in collaborative efforts among academics, government and corporate stakeholders, and, most importantly, local/indigenous peoples to create more equitable social and ecological futures. As a second-generation Lao American born to refugee parents, I am keenly aware of, and interested in, the challenges of marginalized communities in the United States. Over the past 10 years, I have partnered with local and national non-profit organizations to establish traditional Lao arts and music programming in Wisconsin and the Midwest. I have also served as a translator and Lao language teacher for local Lao and academic communities. I hope to build healthy and resilient Lao communities and bridge links between academic and marginalized groups through my research, teaching, and community work.