Designer. Learning Scientist. Engineer…

I currently work for Caltech at LIGO – Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (NSF LIGO) in Louisiana. I work as an educator and evaluator of our Science Center at this national observatory.

I obtained my Ph.D. in STEM Education from the University of California, Irvine working with advisors Dr. Andres Bustamante, Dr. Mimi Ito, and Dr. Kylie Peppler. While helping people in developing nations attain access to education, I developed an interest in the creation of innovative out-of-school environments and activities to foster learning, especially in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) + Arts content for all children and youth, particularly from underprivileged populations.

I use design-based methodologies to create concrete examples of asset-based pedagogies to encourage effective and meaningful learning interest-driven STEM+Art activities that are culturally-relevant, inclusive, and accessible.

I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Brigham Young University (BYU). My first Master’s degree is in Public Administration with an emphasis in Non Profit and International Development Management, from the Marriott School of Management. The second Master’s degree is in Education in Learning and Developmental Sciences from Indiana University, Bloomington.

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Education is what remains after one has forgotten everything learned in school.

-Attributed words to Albert Einstein

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

International Society of the Learning Sciences (ISLS), American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), American Educational Research Association (AERA).