Summary of Interests

I am a Senior Instructor and the Undergraduate Program Director in the School of Planning, Public Policy and Management (PPPM). In my courses, I focus on connecting academic learning to the work happening in our communities, fostering classroom community and connections, and supporting students as they develop and strengthen knowledge and skills to support their current and future work in public service. Whenever possible, I look to include hands-on experiences as part of my course content, and I strive for course concepts to be applicable, practical, and timely. My current courses include:

• PPPM 483/583 Volunteer Resource Management
• PPPM 425/525 Project Management
• PPPM 465/565 Program Evaluation
• PPPM 404 Internship and Internship Nonprofit
• PPPM 412 Internship and Professional Development

As the Undergraduate Program Director, I work with the Undergraduate Advisory Board, other student leaders, and PPPM faculty to create community in our school and foster a welcoming environment for undergraduate students. I take a student-focused approach to directing the program, and it’s my hope that undergraduate students will see PPPM as their academic home at the University of Oregon (UO). I welcome ideas and suggestions from undergraduates about the PPPM community and student experience, and I am always available to help undergraduates get connected with other PPPM students, faculty, and student groups, as well as on-campus UO resources. All PPPM undergraduate students (majors and minors) are invited to drop-in for my weekly office hours or schedule an in-person or virtual appointment. I’m not an academic advisor, but I am glad to talk with students about whatever might be on their mind, how things are going in general, topics related to being a PPPM and UO student, getting involved with PPPM student groups, and PPPM honors thesis.

I’m happy to share my professional experience with students as well as my educational journey, which very much encompasses experiences that are incredibly common among our students but can also feel isolating if you don’t actively see others in the same situation. I’m the first in my family to earn a bachelor’s degree (first-generation college student), I was an undergrad transfer student, I changed my major during junior year, and I returned to graduate school as a parent of two young children. Since completing my undergraduate degree (both before and after earning my Master of Public Administration in PPPM), I’ve worked in the Eugene community in numerous nonprofit and public sector roles, including community outreach and development, nonprofit event management, project and program management, board service, nonprofit management, staff and volunteer supervision, and student affairs at the UO. Now as a member of the PPPM faculty, I enjoy getting to know and working with students as they find and follow their interests and make a difference in our communities!

Awards and Recognitions

UO Leadership Academy, 2023-2024
UO Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award, 2019

Education

MPA, University of Oregon, Eugene (2009)
Graduate Certificate (Nonprofit Management), University of Oregon, Eugene (2009)
BS (Psychology and General Science), University of Oregon, Eugene (1997)