Why FSU?

Since graduating from FSU with my bachelor's degree in 2012, I always had an itch to return for a graduate degree! I wanted to be immersed in a program that would challenge me. The Department of Curriculum and Instruction offers students the opportunity to work with expert faculty members and make use of cutting-edge resources.

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

I taught middle school Language Arts for several years. I loved it and grew especially interested in ways to better teach my students with learning differences and specific needs. I became passionate to ensure that each of my students had opportunities to succeed. In doing so, I found that there is a need for improved teacher training, school and district cohesiveness, and better access to resources for families. I felt that continuing my education would give me the knowledge and resources to influence change.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

I cannot think of a more rewarding or worthwhile career than one that supports children with disabilities and improves our educational systems. I am only in my first year, but I am interested in research that studies how autism interacts with reading skills, and in using novels to build social-emotional skills in neurodiverse classrooms. I am funded through the Florida Center for Reading Research's FIREFLIES fellowship, which offers the unique opportunity to collaborate with other researchers across disciplines toward common goals.

Career aspirations

I aspire to become faculty at a university and help prepare future educators.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

Believe in yourself and you're halfway there! Remember your reason for trying and know that you're capable of doing hard things.

Accomplishments during graduate career

I am proud to have received the Florida Interdisciplinary Research Fellows in Education Sciences (FIREFLIES) Fellowship (2023).