Tell us a bit about yourself:

I was born in Kansas City, but grew up in Tokyo, Japan. I previously served as an Associate Professor at Clemson University where I also served as the Assistant Chair of Teaching & Learning and the Teaching & Learning Doctoral Program Coordinator. Previously, I worked as an Assistant Professor at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) for three years and as an Assistant Professor for three years at Northern Arizona University (NAU) in Flagstaff, AZ. Prior to that, I worked for six years as a chemistry and physics teacher at the University North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) in Winston-Salem, NC and for three years as a chemistry, physics, and math teacher at Punahou School in Honolulu, HI. 

What will you be doing as a faculty member?

I am a Professor in Science Education.

What is your area of research expertise?

My current research is focused on investigating the role of district science coordinators, professional development models, the differentiation of professional learning, and science teacher leaders.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

I love doing Pilates, paddling on my stand-up board, playing tennis or pickleball, or hanging out with my dog Emi and husband Michael. 

What are you currently reading, watching or listening to?

I am reading Immersion by Paul Zak, watching Chief of War (that one of my former students is starring in), and listening to “The Missionary Kids: Unmasking the Myths of White Evangelicalism” by Holly Fletcher. 

What is your advice for current students?

Fail faster. The quicker you fail, the faster you learn. Don’t be afraid of failure - let it drive you.