Why FSU?

I chose FSU for its prestigious reputation in fine arts and its ranking among the world's top 500 universities. I was attracted by the exceptional quality of the Department of Art Education and the university's vibrant arts community. Additionally, FSU's commitment to fostering innovation and providing extensive research opportunities aligned perfectly with my academic and career goals. Ultimately, the combination of these factors made FSU the ideal choice for pursuing my PhD degree in art education.

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

Several factors motivated me to pursue a graduate degree. Firstly, I have a deep passion for my field of study, and I see a graduate degree as an opportunity to delve deeper into its complexities and nuances. Additionally, I recognize that a graduate degree can significantly enhance my knowledge, skills, and expertise, opening doors to advanced career opportunities and professional growth. Moreover, I am driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully to my field through research and innovation. Presenting at conferences such as the world's most prestigious educational research conference, the American Educational Research Association (AERA); the United States's biggest art education conference, the National Art Education Association (NAEA); and Florida's best art education conference, the Florida Art Education Association (FAEA); along with being invited as a keynote speaker to present about emerging technologies in art education at Shandong University in China, has further fueled my passion and dedication. Accompanied by receiving awards and grants, these experiences have motivated me to contribute more to the field and to make the pursuit of a graduate degree an integral part of my journey towards advancing art education.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

My research holds significant importance in bridging the gap between emerging technologies and education, particularly in the field of art. With a dedicated passion for innovative advancements like artificial intelligence and extended reality, I aim to explore the transformative potential of virtual reality (VR) in art education. I seek to provide invaluable insights into the practical implementation and impact of VR technology in educational settings by collecting data from the world's first VR-based school in Naples, Florida. Additionally, my commitment to mastering Unity, a professional tool for VR environment creation, underscores the depth of my dedication to understanding and advancing this technology for future educational opportunities. I am actively pursuing professional training in Unity. This professional training opportunity is made possible through a course led by Jackson Anderson at the FSU Innovation Hub, marking the first-ever VR development course in FSU's history. I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to participate in this pioneering program, which undoubtedly enriches my research journey and contributes to my academic and professional growth. Despite the considerable challenge and additional effort required amidst my dissertation process, I am confident that this endeavor will greatly enhance my comprehension of VR and improve my data collection techniques.

Career aspirations

My career aspirations revolve around merging my passion for art education with emerging technologies. I aim to become a leader in the field, utilizing innovative tools like virtual reality to revolutionize the way art is taught and experienced. Ultimately, I endeavor to inspire creativity and foster a deeper appreciation for the arts through transformative educational initiatives.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

For anyone considering graduate school, I would advise thoroughly researching programs to find the best fit for your academic and career goals. Additionally, seek out opportunities for professional development to make the most of your graduate experience. Finally, stay focused, stay organized, and stay resilient—-it's a challenging journey, but the rewards are worth it.

Accomplishments during graduate career

2024 HSF Excellence and Achievement in Visual Arts Award finalist; 2024 FSU Dissertation Research Grant; 2022 Excellence and Achievement in Visual Arts Award; 2021-2022 Higher Education Preservice Art Educator of the Year; 2018 Louise B. Marsh Scholarship Winner, Alabama Art Education Association; Honor Society Member of Phi Kappa Phi, University of Alabama at Birmingham. My conference presentations include: Little Black Girl's Life Journey: Addressing Racial Injustice and Educational Equity, American Educational Research Association (AERA)'s Annual Meeting, ABER Pre-Conference, April 10, 2024, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (upcoming); Keynote Speaker, International Academic Forum/Symposium, Virtual Reality (VR) Technology for Digital Natives in Art Classes, Shandong University of Arts, November 24-25, 2023, Shandong, China; Emerging Educational Technologies: Using Virtual Reality (VR) Technologies in Art Education, Florida Art Education Association (FAEA) Annual Conference, October 7, 2023; Research Circle: Building Transdisciplinary (and Collaged) Networks in Arts-Based Educational Research, National Art Education Association (NAEA).

Hobbies and interests outside of school

In my spare time, I have a diverse range of hobbies and interests that bring me joy and fulfillment. I am deeply passionate about artistic expression, often immersing myself in various forms of artistic expression to unleash my creativity. Additionally, I find solace in the world of literature, where I can lose myself in captivating stories and explore innovative ideas. Culinary experimentation is another favorite pastime of mine--I love trying out new recipes and experimenting with assorted flavors in the kitchen. As an eager traveler, I seek inspiration from diverse cultures and landscapes, constantly feeding my curiosity and thirst for adventure. Furthermore, I have a profound appreciation for nature and wildlife. I have dedicated space in my backyard to create a welcoming habitat for various animals, crafting feeders and nests with the 3D printer. Planting a variety of flowers and placing feeders has attracted a delightful array of visitors, including hummingbirds, colorful birds, squirrels, bees, opossums, raccoons, deer, and occasionally even bear cubs. These hobbies not only bring me joy but also allow me to connect with the world around me in meaningful ways.