Director of Doctoral Programs
Clinical Associate Professor
LEARNING AND INSTRUCTION
Curriculum and Instruction; English Education; ESL/ENL/Bilingual; Literacy; Educational Change; Educational Leadership; Educator Preparation; Leadership; Higher Education; Online and Distance Learning; Qualitative Research Methods; Professional / Staff Development; Social and Emotional Development
As an educator, researcher, and administrator with 15 years of experience in higher education and K-12 districts, I specialize in preparing interdisciplinary leaders, designing and implementing curriculum, improving institutional systems through research-driven methods, and managing faculty and professional staff. Currently, I serve as a director of university programs, associate chair of curriculum, researcher of teacher and higher education, and educator of research methods and educational leadership. I have delivered over 60 presentations and published over 45 books, journal articles, and book chapters on teacher preparation and attrition, mentorship in STEM higher education, and the structures and systems that shape educational contexts. Additionally, I leverage technology to enhance learning experiences and expand access to quality education.
Teaching is a complex profession that requires strong preparation and ongoing support. New teachers often face challenges adapting to the realities of the classroom, which can impact their long-term success. My research examines how preservice training, applied practice, and collaboration between educators and policymakers can improve teacher preparation and retention. I focus on developing effective strategies for teacher education programs, supporting new teachers, and analyzing the role of educational policy in shaping classroom practices.
My research also investigates mentoring relationships in graduate and postdoctoral education, particularly in STEM fields. I analyze how mentorship structures, research training environments, and institutional practices affect student and faculty experiences. Drawing on established theories of human, social, and structural capital, I work to identify best practices for creating productive mentoring relationships and improving research environments.
Building on my research in teacher education and mentoring, I also examine systemic issues in education, including rural education strategies, the impact of COVID-19 on academic institutions, and challenges related to faculty-student interactions in higher education. My publications address topics such as place-conscious approaches to rural education, faculty-student cyberbullying, and the role of academic institutions in shaping research culture. Through my work, I aim to provide research-driven insights that contribute to the improvement of educational systems, policies, and practices.