Currently, I am working towards completing my dissertation for my Ph.D. in STEM Education in the Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia. As a former teacher, with a background in psychology, specifically, neuropsychology, the way that people learn has always been a fascination for me. I am intrigued by cognition and the many ways in which people learn. In particular, I have an interest in visual learning and memory, which I currently study within immersive participatory games and simulations. My dissertation study examines changes in complex systems thinking during students’ use of an agent-based simulation called the UVA Bay Game. This mixed methods research analyzes transitions from micro-level to macro-level understanding in the context of an undergraduate-level architecture systems course, helping students understand the interconnectedness of human interaction, economics, development, and biology in relation to the sustainability of the Chesapeake Bay watershed

Other interests include the use of virtual/augmented reality and immersive participatory gaming for education, digital media applications, and the impact of these tools on memory (archival and retrieval) and learning. Additionally, I am engaged in research focused on the effectiveness of social media applications as professional development tools, both in K-12, and higher education. Furthermore, I have an interest in creativity in science and scientific misconceptions.

I look forward to the opportunity to use my experience to improve education through my research of complex systems learning and the study of learning with games and simulations. Further, I hope to realize my pursuits of designing and implementing innovative technologies that will improve the way education is delivered and ultimately widen the range of students' background knowledge to enhance their learning.

I hold Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education degrees, both from the University of Virginia.