Main Discipline(s):
Main Professional Societies:
Affiliation(s):
- Faculty Development and Engineering Education
- American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE)
- International Society of Technology in Education (ISTE)
- International Consortium for Educational Development (ICED)
- Online Learning Consortium (OLC)
- Professional and Organizational Development Network in Higher Education (POD)
- Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
- Tau Beta Pi, Engineering Honor Society (TBP)
- Associate Director, Office for Teaching and Learning (OTL), Wayne State University
- Adjunct Instructor, Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University
- District 7 Director, Tau Beta Pi the Engineering Honor Society
- Board Member at Large, Michigan Parent Teacher Association
- President, Pawsitive Impact for Pets
• Master of Science in Manufacturing and Engineering Management, Michigan State University
• Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University
• Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University
My current role does not officially include research. However, I do maintain research interests and work on them when I can. First, related to my position at the OTL and as an adjunct instructor, I work on scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) by studying active learning in basic engineering courses. This includes how student outcomes are affected by classroom engagement techniques, instructional methods, use of technology, and other factors. I hope to continue to be able to expand my time and knowledge in this area.
I also occasionally have the privilege of continuing to participate in biomedical engineering research. As needed, I work with my former PI and collaborators to continue studies related to my PhD work which involved biomaterials for nervous system repair. This includes creating implants with the goal of repairing spinal cord injuries.
I have had a rather roundabout path to both my PhD research area and my current interest in engineering educating. My biomedical engineering research interest came about from combining my passion for helping animals, which I originally thought would lead to veterinary medicine, with my love of building and problem-solving. When I was pursuing my bachelor’s degree, I didn’t know biomedical engineering existed. Instead, I pursued computer engineering while also completing pre-med requirements. Only when I came back to school after a few years in industry, did I find the field that allowed me to do both. I worked with spinal cord and brain-injured individuals while completing my undergraduate work which led me to pursue research in the repair of nervous system tissue.
While I was doing biomedical research and completing my PhD, I had the opportunity to explore more about teaching and learning as a KCP Future Faculty Fellow. The fellowship introduced me to the field of faculty development and engineering education. After completing my degree, I took the opportunity to shift focus and continue working in faculty development with instructors from all fields. My current role and research, when I can do it, allow me to have an even greater impact on the future by helping create a better learning environment for all WSU students.
If I were starting out as a researcher right now, I would try to work in 3D bioprinting of organs and tissues. Creating functioning organs out of raw materials could help so many people. I find the complexity and innovation fascinating.
There are so many amazing STEM women in my life that have influenced me. Everyone from my mom who was a high school science teacher, to my mentors in higher education, to the inspiring students I work with; I try to take a little bit of each of them with me. Role models don’t have to be someone older than you, or further along in their careers, look for inspiration from all the people in your life.