Get to Know...

Why did you choose your field?

I fell in love with educational psychology while I was working as a teacher at a residential treatment center. I was tasked with teaching students with severe behavioral issues about mathematics. The students weren’t interested in the content until I designed a lesson to connect the material to the students’ everyday lives. During my master’s program, I learned about a concept called transformative experience, which occurs when students apply classroom content to their out-of-school experiences. I recognized that educational psychology concepts had the power to improve teaching and learning. At this point, I dedicated my life to making a positive impact on learners in all contexts.
 

What are your research interests/what are some projects you are currently working on? 

My research program focuses on cognitive and motivational aspects of learning, including engagement, academic emotions and interest development. I further specialize in the investigation of learning activities that occur in everyday experience. Along this line of research, I am currently exploring the use of instructional technology to facilitate the connection of engineering concepts to everyday life in middle school students. As a second related line of research, I study the mechanisms of conceptual, emotion and attitude change. As a related research project, I am collaborating with the College of Dentistry, investigating how to change misconceptions related to the practice of fluoridating community water sources.

What have been some highlight moments during your time at OU?

One of the highlights of my time at OU so far has been winning the Patricia Hardré Graduate Student Mentoring Award. I really enjoy working with students and I appreciated being nominated for this award by a former student. I pursued an academic career because I am passionate about teaching and mentoring. I feel really lucky to be able to encourage students to reach their goals for a living. Another highlight has been to work alongside all of the amazing faculty and staff in the College of Education. I have learned so much from my colleagues in the college and look forward to many more years of collaboration.

What are some goals for your area in the coming years?

My main goal for the coming years is to use educational psychology research to generate positive change in new areas. For example, I want to design refutational brochures to facilitate conceptual change related to dentistry ideas for citizens of Oklahoma. There is very little research connecting educational psychology ideas to dentistry and I think that this interdisciplinary connection can encourage healthy behaviors and in turn have positive influence.

What would be your message to students considering the education field? 

Education is one of the few career fields where you can change lives on a daily basis. You will have the opportunity to facilitate student interest, develop student identities, promote social mobility, and generate transformation. Be the change that you wish to see in the world!