I am a Researcher and Lecturer of Islamic Art History, and the History of Jewelry and Gemstones.

In particular I am interested in intersections of art and nature, the cultural significance of gemstones and jewelry, and rituals surrounding jewelry acquisition and wear.

I lecture and research for museums, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, where I have been a Researcher in the Department of Islamic Art since 2010. I have also worked as a consultant for the the Aga Khan Museum of Islamic Art in Toronto, Canada.

I teach art history at New York University and the Bard Graduate Center, and have previously taught at The University of Toronto.

I lead Art History focused group tours for Spiekermann Travel and Travel with the Met.

I am an Accredited Gemologist and hold a G.G. from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

I hold a PhD and my dissertation focused on the history of Indian diamonds, and the rise of the brilliant cut.

I an advisory board member of the Qilada Foundation. This year (2024) I am a “Curating the Silk Road” fellow at the Dunhuang Foundation.