After completing my master's degree in neuroscience at Indiana University, I was hired by Syracuse University to recruit STEM students to their undergraduate programs and improve the University's connections to students interested in basic science research. I was then promoted to my current position as an Assistant Director of Undergraduate Recruitment, which has allowed me to work more independently and with a broader student audience.
Science Outreach
Conversations in Science at Indiana University (ScIU)
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I am a founding member and was previously the Editor at Large for ScIU: Indiana University's science blog. I played a critical role in building the blog from the ground up, doing everything from establishing a community of writers to building our website to setting up a chain of command and fine-tuning our peer review process. In addition to these tasks, I wrote all of the instructions and guidelines used by our writers and editors, created guides and resources for new bloggers, and developed the content and formatting standards for the articles we publish.
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The hard work has paid off! After launching in August of 2016, the blog has continued to gain subscribers and has recorded some fantastic written content.
Girls with Nerve Summer Camp​
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During the summer of 2017, I worked with small group of graduate students at Indiana University to organize a week-long summer camp for high school girls interested in neuroscience. We successfully planned and carried out five days of hands-on activities and tours of research labs each summer; we also held a career panels, during which IU faculty members spoke to the students about their experiences as women, and supporters of women, in STEM. In its first year program sparked the interest of many students and educators. We hosted twice as many students and expanded our program to include courses for middle schoolers during the summer of 2018.
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Writing Portfolio
Conversations in Science at Indiana University (ScIU)​
Below are three sample posts that I wrote for ScIU. You'll be able to find other examples of my writing in my other posts on their site.
PBS Update
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For a short time, before moving away from Indiana, I worked as a freelance writer for the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Indiana University, contributing to their department magazine, PBS Update. Below you'll find one of my articles; I also edited all of the other posts in this issue.
Syracuse University
College of Arts and Sciences | Maxwell School​
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In my current position at Syracuse University, I write and maintain all content on the College of Arts and Sciences | Maxwell School admissions site and independently develop and publish all content on the Instagram count that represents the A&S | Maxwell student ambassador team.
Syracuse University Central Office of Admissions​
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While working as an admissions counselor I wrote blog posts to highlight the experiences of STEM students for prospective students and their families; you'll find two such examples below.
Current Objectives
I am passionate about working with students, academic institutions, and community partners toward improving education in STEM.
Below I highlight some of my favorite projects and initiatives.
Teaching and Tutoring
Miami University Howe Center for Writing Excellence​
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My love for tutoring began when I was an undergraduate student working at one of the leading tutoring programs in the country - the Roger and Joyce Howe Center for Writing Excellence. I received thorough, continuous training in evidence-based practices and developed my personal tutoring style, which centers on student independence and confidence in academic pursuits.
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Indiana University Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and Program in Animal Behavior
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Having the opportunity to teach was among the highlights ​of my graduate education. I worked with many faculty members who granted me independence in working with their students. I helped to design a laboratory course in animal behavior and, emphasized the important of written communication skills in this and other classes. Over four years, I assisted with psychology, neuroscience, animal behavior, statistics, and research methods courses. I especially enjoyed working one-on-one with students, and valued their positive feedback at the end of each semester.
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Independent Consulting​
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Whenever possible, I seek out opportunities to tutor in my free time. I have worked individually with high school and college students on many topics, ranging from subject-specific material to general organizational and study skills. By taking the time to form relationships with my clients, giving them a space to share their frustrations, and providing them with the tools they need to overcome those obstacles, I have helped many students change their academic trajectories for the better.
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Tutor Training and Mentorship
I have worked individually with new tutors and held workshops on various types of tutoring, including peer tutoring. I welcome all opportunities to share my passion for tutoring with others, as I believe that training, guidance, and good mentorship, are critical for tutoring success.
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Media Portfolio
While working for various organizations, I have designed logos, flyers, programs, PowerPoint presentations, and many other promotional materials. Below are a few examples of the work I've done using the Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft Office.
Created for the A&S | Maxwell student ambassador team at Syracuse University
Created for Conversations in Science at Indiana University
Created for guests at who attended the 2017 Animal Behavior Conference, hosted by Indiana University's Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior
Created for the A&S | Maxwell student ambassador team at Syracuse University
Click to enlarge slideshow
Education
B.A. in Psychology, Minor in Neuroscience
Miami University | 2013
As an undergraduate student, I was lucky to attend the best teaching school in Ohio. While at Miami University, I received extensive training not only in psychological concepts, but also in writing, pedagogy, and research techniques. I worked as a writing tutor and manager at the Howe Center for Writing Excellence, took courses in pedagogy and tutoring, worked in the Center for Psychological Inquiry, and studied the effects of early life stress in Dr. Jennifer Quinn's Learning, Memory, and Emotion lab.​ It was a busy time, but I loved every minute!
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M.S. in Behavioral Neuroscience, Minor in Animal Behavior
Indiana University | May, 2018
In 2014, I enrolled at Indiana university as a dual Ph.D. student in the Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences and Program in Neuroscience. While working in Dr. Cara Wellman's Neurobiology of Stress lab, I found many more opportunities for science engagement, communication, and advocacy. I began working with successful people affiliated with the college's Office of Science Outreach, and quickly realized that I am happiest when working with the public, not behind the bench. I defended my master​'s thesis, then took two paid positions within the university, working as a Special Projects Coordinator at the Office of Science Outreach and as an Outreach Coordinator at the Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior.
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Awards, Honors, and Grants
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Science Engagement
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President’s Distinguished Service Award | April 2013
Award granted to approximately 15 out of 4,000 undergraduate students each year for their service and contributions to the university. Received multiple nominations based on tutoring, undergraduate research experience, and contributions to students’ writing achievement as a writing consultant.
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Howe Center Award: Grant for High-Impact Projects | May 2012
Worked with a faculty team to receive funding and establish a student-run journal for undergraduate research
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Howe Center Award: Grant for High-Impact Projects | May 2011
Worked with a faculty team to redesign Psychological Statistics and Research Methods and Design courses.
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Research
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Provost’s Travel Award for Women in Science | March 2016
Received professional development award and funds to present at the 2016 Society for Neuroscience conference.
College of Arts and Sciences Travel Award | Oct 2015
Received professional development award and funds to present at the 2015 Society for Neuroscience conference.
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Harlan Summer Research Scholarship | May 2015
Award granted to students conducting neuroscience research using animal models. Received funding to conduct research on the effects of early life stress on adult dendritic morphology.
Sigma Xi Grant in Aid of Research | January 2013
Highly selective award granted to undergraduate and graduate student researchers. Received full funding to continue senior thesis research project.
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Dean’s Scholar Award | May 2012
Highly selective award given to students based on research proposal quality. Received funding to conduct undergraduate research and present findings at the 2012 Society for Neuroscience conference.
Departmental Honors Psychology | May 2012
Selective program for students with high academic and undergraduate research performance. Conducted undergraduate thesis project and presented findings in multiple academic forums.
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