I’m a Scholar and a Mother who is interested in psychology and education.

What am I all about?

I earned my Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from the University of New Hampshire. While there I also earned a Masters in the Science of College Teaching.

I am a full Professor at Metropolitan State University of Denver teaching courses in the human development and family studies and the psychology majors. In my courses I am committed to an active, learner-centered approach to teaching that emphasizes the role of community on individuals’ lives. I encourage my students to participate in the communities in which they live, to use psychology content knowledge to help solve problems , and to be active and engaged citizens in a diverse and global society. 

Much of my teaching focusses on undergraduate students who are preparing to become teachers or to work with children in applied settings. I also focuses on faculty development and mentoring regarding teaching, research and specifically the scholarship of teaching and learning.  

My research centers on cognitive development in childhood education and university classroom contexts. Both lines of research draw on developmental theory with the overall goal of enhancing the learning environment for students of all levels. I recently published an article about a project that measures academic self-handicapping and other motivational constructs in urban middle school students. In the university classroom, my research as of late focuses on learner-centered syllabi, the effects of the transition to online learning during the COVID-19 spring pandemic semester, service learning, civic engagement, and video feedback manipulations. 

Education

Ph.D, Developmental Psychology, University of New Hampshire 2009

MST, (Masters in the Science of College Teaching). University of New Hampshire 2009

MA, Developmental Psychology, University of New Hampshire 2006

BS, Psychology, Western New England College 2004