Center for Success of Women Faculty

What is your current job title and responsibilities (please make sure we know your College, Department, etc.)?
Assistant Chair and Undergraduate Program Director, Psychology, College of Sciences

What is your history at UCF and before UCF? (past job titles, responsibilities):
2004 – 2005: Instructor Missouri State University (FKA Southwest Missouri State)
2005 – 2006: Visiting Professor Florida Atlantic University
2006 – Current: UCF Hired as Instructor, now Associate Lecturer (2015),Took administrative position in 2011

What is your academic background?
MA (2001) and PhD (2004) from Florida Atlantic University
Social/Personality Psychology

What is your favorite UCF memory?
Taking my first Faculty Fellows position with FCTL. I met so many amazing people, including Tace Crouse, Melody Bowdon, and my co-Fellow Pam Thomas and , and it opened door I never could have imagined.

If you could change one thing at UCF, what would it be? ($ and time no object)
Besides parking? Seriously, it would be class size. I do love teaching large classes but I wish students had additional opportunities for smaller sections that would allow more engagement opportunities.

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with your colleagues?
Take whatever opportunities come your way. You never know what they will lead to.

If UCF was going to name something in your honor, what would you like it to be and why?
Maybe a lecture hall? I have taught so many large classes in these rooms that they feel like home in some ways.

Who at UCF would you like to thank for your success?
My Department and all the amazing people at FCTL and CDL who have been so supportive these past almost 10 years!

Name and describe a teacher or researcher from your past who truly inspired you and why.
My dissertation Chair, Dr. Thomas Monson. When entered the program I really had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up. He did. He advocated to have me teach long before any other person in my cohort (second year) and it was love at first lecture.

What undergraduate or graduate class/program/experience inspired you the most and why?
Social psychology as an undergraduate. I loved the subject area and learning about how research was conducted.

What is your favorite restaurant or food?
It used to be Kouzzina (Cat Cora’s restaurant) on the Disney Boardwalk. I’m still trying to recover from it closing and am trying to find a suitable replacement. Seasons 52 is a strong contender.

What is your favorite movie, book or music?
Catch-22.

What is your favorite vacation destination?
Broadway trips to NY or anywhere I can be with my family!