Biography
After completing my undergraduate degree in Communication, I was eager to understand how this discipline overlaps with adolescent experiences. I was always questioning how children and adolescents utilize strategies for communicating with peers, particularly during conflicts. So I pursued my Ph.D. in child and adolescent development at UCSB, where I focused on social-cognitive development of adolescents. I taught courses in the Communication Department (e.g., Research Methods) and in the Teacher Credential Program (e.g., Adolescent Development). I also advised master level projects for teacher credential students earning their M.Ed. The culmination of these experiences resulted with my passion for teaching students who desire a profession working with children and adolescents.
My research bridges areas of interpersonal communication and social-cognition. My work examines how early adolescents' cognition (e.g., perceptions of blame, perspective taking) is related to communication strategies for solving interpersonal conflicts with peers. Maneuvering through conflicts can be stressful and fearful; however, these experiences shape our identity and provide us with the best opportunities to learn about ourselves. This research has enormous implications for the increased integration of conflict resolution programs into the schools.
I also have a deep personal interest in issues of gender equity particularly in the arena of sports and physical activity. Since I've experienced many benefits of being a physically active teenager and adult woman, I find it critically important that young girls have occasions to learn and participate in sports or physical activity. I was a board member of a non-profit organization that supports Federal Title IX legislation and creates opportunities for girls and women to be physically active called Body Electric.
Having strong mentors has been the single most important gift I've received in my life; therefore, my personal mission includes returning these gifts to my students and the greater community.