Colleen Towler

Colleen is pursuing a Masters in International and Regional Studies with a specialization in Southeast Asian Studies. While completing her Masters of Social Work degree, her research utilized Photovoice methodology and applied theories of critical consciousness, participatory action research, and documentary photography. The research aimed to gain deeper insight into how LGBTQ+ youth in rural northern Thailand experience and understand their identity in relation to others in Thai society and to themselves. During her time in the MIRS program, she hopes to explore the intersection of language and identity and the power of nuanced translation and culturally relevant content development to build global connection and understanding.