EDUCATIONAL PRODUCTS & TEACHING
I have expertise as an instructor, instructional designer, curriculum developer, product designer, and evaluator for educational programs. My specialty is developing products and experiences that focus on real-world problems and inspire participants to explore, learn, and engage with the world around them.
Course Creator, Instructor, & Designer
In collaboration with an engineering professor from The Citadel, I created engaging and standards-based lessons tailored for middle and high school students, focusing on transportation planning and engineering design subjects that were previously absent from K-12 curricula. The activities inspire students to examine the design of their own communities and envision how to make their local transportation systems more sustainable. In addition to piloting and evaluating the activities, I designed the curriculum booklet and produced a video. The project was funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation as part of the STRIDE Center.
CGN4905 - CAREERS IN TRANSPORTATION
Course Creator, Instructor, & Instructional Designer
I developed and taught a new online course to introduce undergraduate students to the diverse professional opportunities available in the transportation sector. The credit-bearing course was piloted at the University of Florida during the fall 2022 semester and featured a learner-centered curriculum with interactive assignments on emerging and critical transportation issues. Additionally, I facilitated weekly discussions with transportation professionals from various disciplines.
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To evaluate the course's effectiveness, I designed and conducted a theory-based pre- and post-survey approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB). This assessment aimed to measure students' interest, self-efficacy, choice, and personal actions related to choosing a career in transportation . The course development was funded through a grant through the Council of University Transportation Centers (CUTC) New Initiatives program. For more information, please see the Final Report.
"I would first like to express my gratitude for this opportunity, as I found this course to be extremely beneficial and educational. I found this course to be insightful as it aligned with my future career plans." - Student
"This was a great class! It was well planned, and organized. The speakers were very informative and helpful. The assignments are made to strengthen career skills and prepare one for the future! I hope to take more classes like this one!" - Student
Exhibit Creator
Collaborating with scientists, I authored over 40 educational exhibits and signs for the Archbold Biological Station Learning Center in Lake Placid, FL. These materials featured the unique characteristics of the threatened Florida scrub, background history of the center and its founder, and descriptions of the energy and water-saving features of the LEED certified buildings.
In addition to content creation, I played a crucial role in offering valuable insights on the design elements and visual organization of the exhibits, ensuring their effectiveness and engaging nature.
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"We arrived mid afternoon and spent a leisurely 2 hours on walk thru varied habitats...and used their very helpful self-guided nature trail guide to learn about vegetation and animals we had been seeing on our trip." - Visitor review
Project Manager
As the lead researcher and writer, I crafted the Interpretive Master Plan for the Guana Tolomato Matanzas (GTM) National Estuarine Research Reserve. The plan encompasses a range of elements, including storyboards, interpretive themes, and conceptual designs, all of which lay the groundwork for future exhibits. To ensure its efficacy and relevance, I conducted stakeholder surveys and interviews, engaging diverse audiences in the development process. Throughout the project, I collaborated closely with both scientists and a design company, to deliver an impactful plan with cohesive and compelling messaging.
Curriculum Developer & Designer
As a member of a small team of curriculum writers, I created standards-based lessons to teach 6th-12th grade students about the dynamic field of wind energy. The inquiry-based lessons use scientific data and real-world scenarios to help students learn to think critically so they can make informed decisions about wind energy in the future. Lessons feature hands-on STEM activities, profiles of professionals, case studies, and activity sheets. The WindWise curriculum has been used in national educator trainings on renewable energy.
EVS 3000L: Environmental Science and Humanities Lab
Instructor
I developed and taught this undergraduate lab for three semesters. I organized weekly field trips, interviews with natural resource professionals, and led hands-on activities teaching field techniques.
Middle School Science Teacher
Instructor
I developed and taught an inquiry-based Physical Science curriculum for middle school students. Weekly hands-on labs and quarterly engineering design projects engaged students in higher-order thinking and independent project development.
