Audra Johnston-Zamora is currently a doctoral student at the University of Oregon in the Department of Special Education and Clinical Services. Throughout California Audra has previously served as a county office MTSS Project Coordinator, a foster youth liaison/PBIS district coach and a middle school English teacher. As a former foster youth, Audra has dedicated her practice to uplifting the voices of marginalized youth and their surrounding communities. After receiving her Bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley, she obtained her teaching credential from Mills College, a program rooted in social justice and equity. With a focus on foster youth, trauma-informed practices and PBIS, she has received her Administrative Credential and Master’s degree from CSU Stanislaus. Despite her academic successes, Audra considers the opportunity to love, guide and nurture her 5 wonderfully unique children her greatest accomplishment.

When Lance was four years old, they visited a children’s museum, crafted a sock puppet and adorned it with googly eyes. Animated by Lance’s hand, the puppet unexpectedly encountered a tasty treat at a crosswalk in the form of a stranger’s posterior, much to the alarm of both the stranger and Lance.

This anecdote illuminates two of Lance’s standout qualities: their boundless creativity and knack for stumbling into unintentionally comedic situations.

Lance earned a PhD in Accounting from the University of Oregon. Currently, they share their expertise by teaching about sustainability in the business school and researching how businesses and other related entities are influenced by and impact environmental and social risks and opportunities. Beyond academia, Lance’s adventures continue—they can be found scaling cliffs, sipping kombucha, crafting speculative fiction, and cherishing moments with their partner, three beloved fur babies, and one cherished human child.

Jen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Counseling Psychology and Human Services.  Her research focuses on leveraging parent-child relationships and technology to improve adolescent health and well-being. She loves reading, growing things, kayaking, camping and hiking with her partner and three adult children. She comes from a family of storytellers.

Jayden Taylor (he/they) is a first year undergraduate student at UO in music performance for Violin. As a musician he loves exploring various works by lesser and unknown composers and performing in the UO Symphony Orchestra. In his free time he enjoys reading literary fiction, listening to musicals, and writing poetry. He also enjoys crocheting for his friends and family when he has the time.

Iman (ee-mehn) is a second-year bioengineering graduate student from Charlotte, North Carolina. After earning a mechanical engineering degree and moving across the country, her graduate work is centered around developing new 3D printing methods and materials­­ to tackle various challenges in biomedical and tissue engineering. Outside of academia Iman enjoys climbing, aerial arts, juggling, jigsaw puzzles, and writing- among many other random interests. This is her first year participating in Intertwined, but she is very excited for the opportunity to share a small part of the story that led her here.

Ana Goble (she/her) is in her fourth year studying public relations at the School of Journalism with a minor in nonprofit administration. She hopes to use her new PR skills in the nonprofit field after graduation. Originally from the land of maple syrup and moose (New Hampshire), she moved to Oregon to continue her education. The adjustment was difficult at first, but she is finding she prefers rainy winters over the snow.  She enjoys spending time at Washburne Park and plotting her next storytelling adventure while strolling through Eugene. She is looking forward to sharing her story, which has shaped who she is today.

Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant, M.A. in Language Teaching Studies

Muhammad Sohaib is a Foreign Language Teacher at the University of Oregon and teaches Urdu and Hindi at the Yamada Language Center. He received his M.Phil. in Applied Linguistics, before joining the University of Oregon’s Language Teaching Studies graduate program. He is a passionate language professional with a deep love for nature, community service and adventure. His journey has led him to embrace the vibrant tapestry of Pakistani and Indian cultures, and he loves to share these rich traditions with people through the lens of language. Sohaib is an enthusiastic sportsman, mountaineer, and traveler. Along with his language teaching profession he has both established and is a member of, several organizations and forums working for the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities. Sohaib is a strong advocate for inclusivity, inviting all people to play their role in making this world accessible and inclusive for all.