Teaching

I teach for the Department of Sociology as well as the Honors Program at UF. I also co-teach a graduate level course for the Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation entitled "Social Entrepreneurship", which examines people who are "change agents". In this course, we teach students to use the skills and strategies of entrepreneurship while addressing local and international social problems. The theme of this class (and all of the classes I teach) is engaged social change. In the words of Gandhi: "Be the change you wish to see in the world."

Research

My academic research is interdisciplinary, spanning the fields of Sociology, Psychology, Gender Studies, and Student Development. It falls primarily within the new area of study called Emerging Adulthood. I am interested in how young people make the transition to adulthood and are involved as agents of positive social change. I study how young people become engaged in service and leadership. I also investigate the life goals and values of bright, motivated, young people-asking questions like, "What does being a success mean to you?" and, "Does a sense of purpose motivate you?"

Windows of Opportunity

Windows of Opportunity is the name for the educational, college admissions, and career counseling, consulting, and coaching services I provide to students and their parents. I work with young people as they transition from high school to college, college to graduate school, careers, and beyond. I help students gain admission to their best fit colleges, explore their interests, abilities, and opportunities, and plan for their future college majors and career aspirations.

UF Honors Program

From January 2004 - August 2006 I served as the Coordinator of Admissions, Preview, and Student Activities for the Honors Program at the University of Florida. In addition I was an Honors Advisor, helping students to choose their major(s) and plan for graduate or professional school, as well as future careers. I also encouraged them to pursue activities that enhance their academic pursuits, such as internships, study abroad programs, community service, leadership, and involvement in student and community organizations. I empowered high achieving students to make the most of their collegiate experience by taking advantage of the many opportunities available to them, both at the University of Florida and the world around them.