Frequently Asked Questions

HOw do you pronounce your name?

Why are you focusing your research on polar bears?

I am troubled that there are only 20,000 polar bears left on the planet. Polar bears are a keystone species, meaning that they play a very important role in maintaining ecosystem balance in the Arctic. Unfortunately, their habitat and survival are under threat. Our planet is growing warmer and the sea ice is melting. As a result, the polar bears are forced to swim great distances to hunt. Some are drowning and many are starving. They cannot survive without the sea ice.

As humans, we have the power to make decisions to reverse this trend. It’s not too late…but the time for us to do something is NOW.

As a teacher, I ask my students to think critically about WHY this is an issue and HOW we can work toward a more sustainable future.

I believe in the power and potential of my students to generate creative solutions.

What kind of camera do you use?

I use an iPhone 12Pro, a mirrorless Fujifilm X-T30, and a GoPro Fusion. I am having a lot of fun learning from the pros!

what is your phd in?

My PhD is in Educational Psychology. Within that field, my specialty is Learning Sciences: Human Development and Cognition. Within that specialty, my expertise is in the psychology of human-animal interaction and children’s development of empathy. I am most interested in how people connect with and perceive the non-human animals with whom we share our lives.

Have you always wanted to be a teacher?

Yes, I have always wanted to be a teacher! I have loved reading, writing, and observing animals for as long as I can remember. I get to enjoy all of those things every single day as a teacher and researcher!

How can I start teaching my students to empathize with animals?

There are many ways! A great place to begin is with language. Choose to refer to living beings with pronouns such as he/she/they rather than “it.” Acknowledge that just like people, individual animals also have thoughts and feelings. Try out the Emotional Ethogram Tool that I co-constructed as part of the Measuring Empathy Collaborative Assessment Project! It’s a great way for kids to practice emotional inference.

how Can I become a National Geographic grosvenor teacher?

I’m so glad you asked! The Grosvenor Teacher Fellow (GTF) Program is a professional development opportunity for pre-K–12 educators made possible by a partnership between Lindblad Expeditions and the National Geographic Society. The first step is to enroll in the National Geographic Educator Certification program! Once you complete your certification you can apply to be considered for the Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship! Feel free to reach out to me directly if you have specific questions about the application process.