What is your teaching discipline?
Geology/Oceanography
What brought you to the area?
I grew up in Hampton Roads. I was born in Portsmouth, went to college in Williamsburg, and now live in Suffolk. Tidewater is home.
What is your teaching philosophy?
Meet students where they are, and encourage them to engage with the course material and the world around them. Practically this looks like hands-on learning, student-focused learning, and continual open dialogue in courses. I like to create an informal, yet informative environment, where students are comfortable being themselves, exploring content, and learning that being wrong is okay, and is really just one step closer to being right.
What do you hope your students take away from your courses?
A desire to learn more, and a feeling of empowerment to take ownership of their own learning. In addition, I certainly hope they learn to appreciate the world around them, and a realization of the relevance of geology to our everyday lives.
What do you like to do on the weekends?
Spend time with family and friends, and sneak in weekend trips when possible. Often though, I use the weekends to catch up on all the things I should have gotten done during the week, like laundry.
What is the most memorable place you have traveled to?
Do I have to just pick one place? I love to travel, particularly long road trip with my family to see family out of state. Those trips where we have multiple stops, and put 5000 miles on the car, are definitely memorable!
What is in your refrigerator right now?
Some leftovers, sweet tea, and the usual - milk, eggs, condiments.
What makes you laugh out loud?
Lots of things - I love laughter and being reminded of the simple joys in life, even if it is ridiculously corny jokes.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Becoming a mom, and raising a spunky, smart, independent daughter.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Shoes - I like shoes!
Who is your hero?
My grandfather! He overcame extreme obstacles at an early age, and with little formal education, made a great life for my grandmother and my dad. He demonstrated dedication, the value of hard work, and perseverance throughout his whole life. He also had an insatiable thirst for knowledge that I always admired.