B.A., Elementary Education, Converse College, Spartanburg, SC, 2005
M.A., Elementary Education, Science and Social Studies, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, 2007
Ph.D., Elementary Education, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, 2015

The overarching goal of my instruction at every level is to nurture a love of science and science education. I believe that embedding content within experiences that create connections with the natural world is a powerful process that impacts students and teachers in profound ways. In teaching, I also emphasize the growing importance of multiliteracies for students of all ages. With a world of information at our fingertips, I encourage teachers to increase the use of inquiry in their classrooms through problem-based, investigative activities. The “business” of teaching can be difficult, but when the priorities are loving children and learning, each day can be more enjoyable than the last.

My research thus far explores the presence of multiliteracies and student voice as they are enacted in elementary classrooms with respect to science and scientific practices. Utilizing the voice of students in the evolving study of multiliteracies and scientific practices provides a contemporary and valuable perspective on the two subjects both independently and together in a vastly different social and economic culture than associated with many earlier studies. Giving young students the opportunity to express their voices in the world associated with science and its practices provides meaningful insight into the complex process of learning and communicating through multiliteracies from the often overlooked students’ perspectives.

I serve our department by participating on faculty searches, the social media and newsletter committee, and the orientation & registration committee. I also currently serve on the governing board of the South Alabama Research and Inservice Center (SARIC). As a new community member, I am excited to explore opportunities to serve the communities of Mobile and Baldwin Counties.

I was born and raised in the beautiful small town of Camden, SC. Before moving to Mobile, I lived in Birmingham, AL where I worked as an elementary teacher in Homewood City Schools, and then completed a Ph.D. at the University of Alabama. My husband, Matt, and I now live in Montrose, AL where we enjoy cooking and trying new recipes, entertaining, and spending time with our two dogs, Putt-Putt and Callie.