When did you start at UMD? Why did you choose to work at UMD?
I started at UMD in 2016, after teaching at Kennesaw State University in Georgia for 10 years. I was really excited for the opportunity to integrate environmental education more explicitly into my teaching and research, and to live and work in such a beautiful place! It has also been a great pleasure to have such incredible colleagues to learn from, both in the department of education and in the science departments.
What do you like most about your job?
I love building relationships with students and giving them opportunities to shine. I want my classes to tap into the "sense of wonder" and to help students who want to be teachers use their strengths to develop new knowledge in science and skills in teaching.
What is your research and/or teaching focus?
I am interested in how we use stories to teach and learn science, but my definition of a "story" is quite broad! Over the years I've guided teachers and their students in telling personal science stories through oral and written storytelling, podcasts, nature journals, and ArcGIS StoryMaps! Stories are a way that we build connections to each other and to ideas, and they are a huge part of how I teach and learn too.
Do you have any advice for students?
You get to be a human. If you want to learn as much as you can, throw yourself into asking questions (even if you think you 'should' know the answers) and making mistakes (it gets easier the more you do it), and trying to make sense of complicated ideas using methods that are engaging to you. Let yourself be imperfect and open to new learning. Our elementary-aged friends have the right idea: ask all the questions you can think of, take a few risks, and spend time with people and activities that bring you joy when you get stuck.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like sitting on the couch inside reading with dogs, and I like sitting in a hammock outside reading with dogs. In between books, I enjoy playing board and card games with family and friends, walking in the forest, looking for agates and beach glass, drawing, and making quirky needle-felted animals to give away.