About

Professional

I am currently the program manager for advanced undergraduate research programs with the Office of Undergraduate Research at the University of Washington. In my professional role, I support two bioscience research cohorts, administer conference travel awards, support all undergraduates through research advising, oversee and support the UW Undergraduate Research Symposium, and generally oversee many aspects of marketing and communication for the office.

Previously, I worked with both the Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship (CURAS) and the Office of Research at Creighton University. With CURAS, through a short tenure, I supported the summer research cohort and played a part in re-branding CURAS to better-represent research at Creighton and align with a refreshed brand. During my time with the Office of Research, I served as a reviewer and administrator for the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and the Institutional Biohazardous Committee (IBC). Before this, I earned my degrees in Business:Marketing and Communication Studies from Buena Vista University.

Research

For five years I participated in an R15 research grant led by Dr. Amy E. Barth. During this time I participated in various capacities, from field data collection and data organization, to research lab management, figure development, paper writing and publication, and grant support. The grant, which continued as an 2R15 grant after my departure, brought attention to learning (reading) disabilities of children of middle-grade ages (where foundational comprehension solidifies) and students who use English as a second language or are deemed English Language Learners. The focus of the research was on literacy development through inference-making, paying special attention to knowledge attainment, retention, and recall, in rural school systems. This resulted in a series of publications and presentation opportunities.

More broadly, my interests span not only reading and literacy, but resultantly, the learning and communication methodologies utilized in educational settings to promote learning and knowledge attainment, retention, and recall. In addition, I have a large interest in young adult and child anxiety-management and the role nature plays in that dyad.

Service

I am currently the vice chair for the Social Sciences Division on the Council for Undergraduate Research (CUR), a nationally recognized body that aims to provide advocacy, recognition, resources, and more to empower the next generation of undergraduate researchers and mentors.

At the University of Washington, I also serve in many reviewing member roles on a handful of scholarships and awards, both internal and external with national recognition. These committees include the UW Mary Gates Research Scholarship, Honors, and nationally, scholarships like the Barry Goldwater and Fulbright Scholarships.

Personal

Born in Iowa, moving to Ohio, I spend many of my younger years in the midwest. When I am not fully engaged in research and serving undergraduates, I am often found exploring the trails and coasts of the Pacific Northwest; running on the treadmill; learning new skills and techniques in digital art and graphic design, web design, and more; or reading the best literature from authors like Eric Weiner, John Green, and other non-fiction writers.