Bio
I completed my undergraduate degree in sociology in 1994 and my master's degree in public health, community education, in 1999 at Western Kentucky University. I also have graduate certificates in Women’s Studies and Community College Faculty Preparation. I recently (December 2007) graduate from the cooperative PhD program with the University of Louisville and Western Kentucky University in higher education administration. My dissertation entitled, "Measuring Student Engagement Activity Levels and Persistence: A study of a four-year comprehensive university," explored the impact of integrating student affairs and academic affairs to educate the whole student on student persistence. I have been teaching for over 10 years at the university level. I began teaching as a graduate assistant in the spring of 1995 and since that time have taught various courses in the higher educational setting. In the fall of 1999, I taught my first Women’s Studies courses at Western Kentucky University and found a passion for the field of gender studies, the Women’s Studies Program, and, above all, serving students as well as the community. Since that time, my educational and research interests have focused primarily on issues pertaining to women, gender, and human sexuality. In the last few years, my educational and research interests have focused primarily on issues pertaining to women’s health and health risks among special student populations in higher education. My most recent publications include “ HIV/STI associated risk behaviors among self-identified lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trangendered college students in the United States” (AIDS Education and Prevention,2003, 15(5), 413-429) and "Social identity and substance use among lesbians” (Journal of Lesbian Studies, 2005, 9(3), 45-55). The latter was also published as a chapter in a book entitled, “Making lesbians visible in the substance use field (p. 45, 2005),” edited by Elizabeth Ettorre, Plymouth University. Recently published was "Sexual Behaviors and Sexually Transmitted Infections Among" (Journal of LGBT Health Research, 2008, 3(3)). Also in press is a manuscripts entitled, “An analysis of risk factors related to body image among lesbian and bisexual female college students in the United States.” I have plans to continue some of my current research projects and explore new areas as well. My future plans include an ecofeminism book focusing on fair trade and the impact of race, class, and gender in Central America.
I am currently an assistant professor in the Women’s Studies and an adjunct instructor for the Department of Public Health at Western Kentucky University. I have taught a variety of courses including the following:
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In addition to my interests in
traditional classroom teaching, I taught a course entitled, “Feminist
Theory, Practice, and Irish Popular Culture” with the Cooperative
Center for Study Abroad in the summer of 2006 in Ireland. I plan to
take another group to Ireland every other year and lead a
service-learning courses in Costa Rica and Belize.
I have a sincere interest in educating students outside the classroom as well as within. One of my goals for the future is to work with a women-centered program that will coordinate efforts to allow students to travel to other communities and countries in a service-learning capacity. My first planned stop is Costa Rica! Gender related issues that affect our global neighbors have a direct affect on our nation and it is imperative that our students learn how and why these relationships exist. There is a growing need and demand in every field to teach our students to have an understanding of the concept of stewardship and sustainability.
Aside
from scholarly interests and activities, I also enjoy music, theatre,
and gardening. I am a member of a folk group called, "Just Us." I
am also the co-owner, with my partner Benita, of
Greener Groundz, LLC., a
fair-trade, organic coffee roasting company
located in Bowling Green, ky, Green
Groundz Coffee & Cafe, a coffee shop near campus, and Greener
Groundz Gardenz (our place in Alvaton). We are also owners and
stock-holders in
the Green Market Cooperative
(a local food co-op) in Barren County