I am an Associate Professor and Coordinator of the Higher Education program at Florida State University (FSU), where I am also a Senior Research Associate with the Center for Postsecondary Success (CPS). In 2016, I founded the College Autism Network (CAN), a nonprofit organization linking varied stakeholders engaged in evidence-guided efforts to improve access, experiences, and outcomes for postsecondary students with autism.
Research
My research uses quantitative and qualitative methods to examine factors that shape college experiences and outcomes for student populations often overlooked within higher education, including transfer students (2012, 2014), adults (2016), students facing difficult life events (2015, 2016, 2017), and first-generation college students (2017). My most recent scholarship focuses on the ways personal characteristics and institutional environments affect college students on the autism spectrum (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021).
Collectively, these research projects have earned over $615,000 in grant funding from varied sources including the National Science Foundation (NSF), NASPA Foundation, TG Public Benefit Program, and Spencer Foundation. My 25 peer-reviewed articles have been published in many of the field’s top journals, including Educational Researcher, Journal of Higher Education, Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, Review of Higher Education, Journal of College Student Development, and AERA Open.
Research Awards
- Robert M. Gagne Outstanding Research Award (2011, 2014, 2017, recipient) FSU College of Education
- Emerging Scholar (2013-14, recipient) ACPA: College Student Educators International
- Best Paper Award (2010, recipient) Inaugural symposium hosted by Higher Education in Review
- AIR/NCES Fellowship for Institutional Research (2009-2010, recipient)
Teaching and Mentoring
My instructional activities have included teaching ten different courses, both in-person and online. These classes have focused on student development theories, college environments, overlooked and underserved student populations, and research methods. I have also contributed to curricular redesigns for both masters and doctoral students and overseen the development of two new courses.
Teaching and Mentoring Awards
- Accessibility Champion Award (2021, recipient) FSU’s Office of Accessibility Services
- Graduate Teaching Award (2021, nominee) Florida State University’s College of Education
- Supervisor / Mentor Award (2016, recipient) Hardee Center for Leadership & Ethics
- Graduate Student Mentoring Award (2015, 2016, nominee) Florida State University Graduate School
- Transformation Through Teaching Award (2012, recipient) (2013, 2015, nominee) Spiritual Life Project
Service
At the institutional level, I have coordinated master’s and PhD degree programs, served as Chair of the Faculty Advisory Board, and led the Faculty Development and Merit Pay Committee; I have also been a member of the Faculty Senate and Strategic Planning Committee. Nationally, I have reviewed manuscripts for many of the field’s top journals and have served as a member of the Journal of College Student Development’s Editorial Board. In 2016, I founded the College Autism Network (CAN), a non-profit organization using evidence-based advocacy to improve experiences and outcomes for students with autism.