Life is a journey, we all go through it —each on our own path. Some roads are smooth and familiar; others surprise us with twists, turns, and uncertainty. There are times when we take bold steps—by choice or by circumstance—onto unfamiliar ground. We stumble. We fall. We may even feel lost, unsure of the way ahead. But growth often begins in these moments. Along the way, we learn from experience, from reflection, and most powerfully, from each other. Through shared stories, wisdom, and meaningful connection, we find our way again.
I’m an academic, a writer, and a pilot—drawn to ideas, stories, and the world we all share. I presently serve as the Director of the UCI Summer Internship Program in Ethics & Morality, one of the largest programs of its kind. Here we work with hundreds of students each year to explore the intersections of ethics, leadership, and social change.
When I’m not teaching or writing, you’ll often find me flying a Cessna or working on creative projects that help bridge thought and feeling.
I’m also a published author in Romania, and my debut book can be found in libraries there.
I believe in the goodness of people and in the power of empathy, knowledge, and imagination to shape a more just and connected world. Whether through essays, travel reflections, poems, or fictional pieces, I share what I’ve learned and what I’m still learning.
If you’re looking for thoughtful conversation, honest storytelling, and shared curiosity—you’re in the right place.
Stories That Insist on Being Told
My writing explores themes of history, memory, and personal identity, blending lived experience with broader social and political realities. Through historical fiction, poetry, and essays, I tell stories of resilience, human emotion, and cultural reflection, aiming to connect deeply with readers who appreciate authentic and thoughtful storytelling.
My debut novel, published in July 2021 by Niculescu Oxford Publishing House in Romania, explores the final years of Nicolae Ceaușescu’s regime (1986–1989)—a time marked by fear, surveillance, and global tension. Set against the backdrop of historical events like the Chernobyl disaster and the fall of the Iron Curtain, the novel offers both a vivid portrayal of daily life under communism and a tribute to the quiet moral courage of those who endured it.
More than just a historical narrative, this is a story of resilience, humanity, and the enduring strength of the human spirit—echoing the lives of millions who have lived under oppressive regimes, past and present.
The novel can be bought on-line, from the publishing house https://www.niculescu.ro/sub-cortina-de-fier.html, or in the libraries across the country ( libraries in Romania only).
If you’re interested in exploring poetry, my collection Love Poems: Insights into the Complicated Mystery of Love is available on Amazon. This book invites readers on a heartfelt journey through the emotional landscapes of love—its beauty, complexity, joy, and sorrow. Each poem captures a different facet of how we love and how love reveals itself in our lives, offering thoughtful reflection for anyone drawn to the deeper meanings of human connection.
I collaborate and write for a few literary venues. I am a writer for Spill Words Press , Visual Verse , The Literary Yard, The Scarlet Leaf Review and other literary magazines.
Research and the Academic Life
In my academic work, I explore topics at the intersection of migration policy, cultural identity, human rights, and emerging technologies. Based at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), I examine how immigration and identity are shaped by political and social systems, and how global challenges need ethical, inclusive solutions.
I publish in respected journals and edited volumes, including the Journal of Identity and Migration Studies, The Reading Matrix: An International Online Journal, and collections by Cambridge Scholars Publishing. My research reflects a commitment to social justice scholarship, ethical policymaking, and the role of education in fostering informed, compassionate societies.
Currently, I write about the impact of technology on society, including my article “AI Literacy as a Civic Necessity and a Human Right: Implications for Second Language Learners in a Globalized World,” which discusses how artificial intelligence empowers language learners and why AI literacy is essential for equity in education and civic engagement.
My academic and professional projects include:
- Human rights advocacy and research
- Inclusion and social justice initiatives
- Critical analyses of capitalism and its societal impacts
I have presented my work at major conferences like:
- Midwest Political Science Conference
- CAASPP & ELPAC California Assessment Conference
- AASA National Conference on Education
My research reflects a commitment to social justice scholarship, ethical policymaking, and the role of education in fostering informed, compassionate societies. You can find an overview of my academic publications HERE.
I also mentor students at UCI, fostering the next generation of scholars. You can explore their work and my mentoring role at the UCI Ethics Center Mentoring Program.
Aviation and the Freedom to Learn Again
Learning to fly was more than just a new skill — it was a return to curiosity, confidence, and freedom. After years in academia and writing, aviation opened a new chapter in my life: one filled with discovery, humility, and the thrill of starting over.
I’ve found a unique sense of clarity in the skies — and a deep respect for the discipline and courage that flight demands. In the U.S., earning a pilot certificate is no small feat. From passing rigorous FAA written exams to mastering complex flight maneuvers like slow flight, stalls, and steep turns, each step requires patience, precision, and resilience. The day I completed my first solo flight — taking off, navigating, and landing entirely on my own — marked a turning point in my journey, both in the air and on the ground.
Navigating the intricacies of U.S. airspace, with its crowded skies and layered regulatory structure, challenged me to think differently — and quickly. Reading weather patterns, interpreting METARs and TAFs, and making safe decisions on the fly (literally) taught me not just aviation skills, but life skills.
Aviation has given me more than wings; it’s given me perspective. In the cockpit, there’s no space for distraction — only the present moment, guided by discipline, respect, and wonder. It’s a reminder that learning never ends, and that courage often begins with saying “yes” to something entirely new.
Curious to see what learning to fly looks like in real time?
Follow along on Instagram where I share photos, reflections, and the small, brave moments from the cockpit. From first solo flights to future FAA checkrides, join me in exploring the skies — one lesson at a time.
Welcome to this shared space of curiosity and connection
