Biography
I’m a writing professor with decades of experience in higher education, and a professional writer with decades of experience in publishing and technical communication. I’ve taught a variety of writing courses for lower-division, upper-division, and graduate-level students. I've taught courses in technical communication, professional writing, business writing, first-year writing, and first-year developmental writing. In my teaching assignments, I have demonstrated my abilities as a caring, conscientious, and responsive teacher and mentor.
I take a student-centered, humane approach to teaching. At the heart of my teaching philosophy is a dedication to student success. I strive to foster student success by creating a respectful and accommodating class environment; presenting students with a well-organized and well-paced sequence of materials, experiences, and assignments; and showing students that skillful, compassionate communication can enrich the entirety of their lives.
In addition to my academic credentials, I have gained entrepreneurial and publishing experience by founding, monetizing, and selling a website with extensive how-to content, as well as by producing travel, event, and lifestyle content for About.com, a New York Times company. Moreover, I have substantial expertise as a freelancer in newspapers, journals, book publishing, and creating technical documentation for corporate clients. Recently, I've taken on a producer role for a new podcast exploring the connections between faith, sustainable living, and care for the Earth. I’m an entrepreneur who has started three businesses and profitably sold two of them. My education, publishing, and entrepreneurial experience are interconnected and complementary.
Research Interests
Public sphere, community-engaged learning, career development, qualitative data analysisTeaching Interests
Composition, technical communication, science communication, multimedia communication, library research, media literacy.Education
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Communication , Writing and Rhetoric, University of Utah (2022)
- Master of Arts (MA), English Language and Literature , University of Chicago (1992)
- Bachelor of Arts (BA), English Language and Literature , University of Utah (1988)
Licenses and Certifications
- QPR Institute, QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention Certification (2024 - Present)
Honors and Awards
- Sustainability Teaching Scholar, University of Utah (2017 - 2018)
Memberships
- National Association for Media Literacy Education (2025 - Present)
- Mormon Women for Ethical Government (2024 - Present)
- Latter-day Saint Earth Stewardship (2023 - Present)
- Association of Teachers of Technical Writing (2022 - Present)
- National Council of Teachers of English (2013 - Present)
Professional Citizenship
- Board Member, Mormon Women for Ethical Government (2024 - Present)
- Committee/Council Member, Great Salt Lake Interfaith Action Coalition (2023 - Present)
- Committee/Council Member, Latter-day Saint Earth Stewardship (2023 - Present)