Dawn specializes in 18th and 19th-century education and historical interpretation. She has developed interpretive programs in colonial life, chattel slavery, and archaeology for several historic sites in the Charleston area and operated a successful tour company specializing in low country African American history called “Low Country Walks.”

She holds degrees in Anthropology and Education and holds a doctorate in Education in which she focused her research on the topics of museum curriculum and pedagogy about slavery and abolition in the United States. As a doctoral student, she learned a great deal about the importance of historical memory and its connection to inclusive pedagogy. Therefore, she dedicates her time to initiatives and organizations that center diversity, equity, and inclusion in curriculum and interpretation practices.