My undergrad degrees are in rhetoric and sociology, and my PhD in Rhetoric from UC Berkeley focused on building an inclusive, process-based, emotion-centered writing pedagogy based on contemporary philosophy (epistemology), rhetorical theory and hermeneutics. I specialize in teaching writing, especially first-year composition, professional writing, and grant writing. The latter interests follow from my 25+ years working in manager and director positions in retail, fashion, healthcare and IT.
My scholarship centers on teaching via faculty development: most of my publications, conference presentations and workshops focus on improving assessment of student learning and on helping teachers and students take better advantage of our rapidly improving understanding of how learning works at the biological, cognitive, and social-psychological levels. I also lead the team that developed and built the Student Assessment of their Learning Gains (SALG) website, funded by multiple National Science Foundation grants.
My primary purpose in all my teaching is to support and guide students as they develop tools and practices that help them discover who they are, grow into the best version of themselves, and live a reflective and fulfilling life.
- Composition and Rhetoric I and II
- Writing for Business
- Grants, Proposals and Reports
- Practical Business Rhetoric