Contributors

Julia M. Gossard is Associate Dean for Research in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and Associate Professor of History at Utah State University. Dr. Gossard earned her Ph.D in History at the University of Texas at Austin. An award-winning educator and a specialist with high-impact teaching practices, Dr. Gossard’s teaching portfolio is expansive, ranging from engaging online introductory surveys to historical research methods and graduate courses in history and theory. Her writing on teaching has appeared in The History Teacher, The Journal of Interactive Technology and Pedagogy, and with W.W. Norton. She is the lead editor for Habits of Mind: Designing Courses for Student Success and the author of two other books, Young Subjects: Children, State-Building, and Social Reform in the 18th-Century French World (McGill-Queen’s University Press) and Encountering Childhoods in Vast Early America (with Holly N.S. White, Routledge).

Chris Babits (he/him) is a temporary assistant professor. He earned his Ph.D. in U.S. History, along with the Health Humanities graduate certificate, from the University of Texas at Austin in 2019. Chris’ forthcoming publications include peer-reviewed academic articles in Pacific Historical Review, History of Psychology, Modern Intellectual History, The History Teacher, and Teaching History: A Journal of Methods as well as his first monograph, titled To Cure a Sinful Nation: A History of Conversion Therapy in the United States (University of Chicago Press).

Julia M. Gossard is Associate Dean for Research in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and Associate Professor of History at Utah State University. Dr. Gossard earned her Ph.D in History at the University of Texas at Austin. An award-winning educator and a specialist with high-impact teaching practices, Dr. Gossard’s teaching portfolio is expansive, ranging from engaging online introductory surveys to historical research methods and graduate courses in history and theory. Her writing on teaching has appeared in The History Teacher, The Journal of Interactive Technology and Pedagogy, and with W.W. Norton. She is the lead editor for Habits of Mind: Designing Courses for Student Success and the author of two other books, Young Subjects: Children, State-Building, and Social Reform in the 18th-Century French World (McGill-Queen’s University Press) and Encountering Childhoods in Vast Early America (with Holly N.S. White, Routledge).

Chris Babits (he/him) is a temporary assistant professor. He earned his Ph.D. in U.S. History, along with the Health Humanities graduate certificate, from the University of Texas at Austin in 2019. Chris’ forthcoming publications include peer-reviewed academic articles in Pacific Historical Review, History of Psychology, Modern Intellectual History, The History Teacher, and Teaching History: A Journal of Methods as well as his first monograph, titled To Cure a Sinful Nation: A History of Conversion Therapy in the United States (University of Chicago Press).

Dr. Jennifer Grewe is an Associate Professor with the Department of Psychology at Utah State University. Dr. Grewe has taught thousands of undergraduate students in face to face and online courses. Since 2020, she has been the program director for Connections, which is Utah State’s first year experience program and is co-director of the undergraduate psychology program. She is an active member of her professional communities, which include the Society for the Teaching of Psychology (APA, Div.2) and serving as a consulting editor for the journal of the Teaching of Psychology. Dr. Grewe engages in opportunities to mentor students throughout their academic careers and is the advisor the local chapter of Psi Chi (International Psychology Honors Society). Dr. Grewe enjoys supporting student success and loves being an Aggie!

In addition to working with her spouse to raise four young children, Cree Phillips Taylor is a Lecturer at Utah State University. Her classroom is informed by Social Constructivism, Critical Race Theory, Feminism, Black Feminist Thought, and Pedagogies of Care. She works to employ an engaged pedagogy and to establish her classroom as a brave space where students feel empowered to share their own perspectives and have those perspectives challenged in respectful and meaningful ways. Cree enjoys mentoring students, especially those from traditionally marginalized backgrounds. She loves hearing student perspectives and ideas during classroom dialogues and discussions and reading about what they are learning in their writing. Cree teaches First Year Composition (ENGL 1010 and ENGL 2010) and Race and Ethnicity in the United States (ENGL 2640)

Doris McGonagill is an Associate Professor of German at Utah State University. She received her Ph.D. in Germanic Languages and Literatures from Harvard University and holds degrees from Dalhousie University (Halifax, Nova Scotia) and Ruprecht-Karls-Universität (Heidelberg, Germany). Her interdisciplinary research focuses on the intersection between German literature, the visual arts, aesthetic theory, and memory theory in the 20th and 21st centuries. Publications include Crisis and Collection: German Visual Memory Archives of the Twentieth Century (Königshausen & Neumann) and “A New Science of Beauty” in A New History of German Literature (Harvard UP). More recently, she has ventured into the fields of environmental literature, ecocriticism, and sustainability education.

Dr. Missy Kofoed has been a Lecturer in the Chemistry and Biochemistry department on the Logan campus at Utah State University since 2018. She teaches a variety of online and face-to-face courses including general chemistry, introductory chemistry and introductory biochemistry. Prior to her position at USU, Missy spent seven years teaching science at the high school level. Missy is dedicated to designing her courses around evidence-based teaching practices and principles that support students’ academic development as well as their growth as self-regulated learners.

Leonard Henderson is currently a PhD student studying sociology at USU. He earned his MA at Humboldt State University in Public Sociology with a specialization in Teaching Sociology. While his doctoral research focuses on the influences of “frontier” cultural mythologies on water policy and management in the American West, his love for teaching and pedagogy remain central to his academic focus. During the summer Leonard is an Administrator at Colorado Rocky Mountain School’s HS(2) Program, a STEM focused college preparatory program for low-income and/or first generation students of color. As the odd social scientist, Leonard teaches music and a leadership and ethics course for rising seniors.

Travis Thurston is the Director of Teaching Excellence in the Office of the Provost and Chief Academic Officer at Utah State University. He earned his Master of Educational Technology degree from Boise State University, and earned his Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with emphasis on Instructional Leadership from Utah State University. His teaching and scholarship focus on digital-age teaching and instructional design, creating autonomy-supportive learning environments, and student-centered engagement strategies. Dr. Thurston has published interdisciplinary studies on the scholarship on teaching and learning, and is the lead editor of Resilient Pedagogy: Practical Teaching Strategies to Overcome Distance, Disruption, and Distraction.

I am an environmental sociologist with an interest in social inequality. My research agenda consists of examining the critical link between community response and the impacts of energy development through collective behavior, activism, and environmental inequality. I am also interested in pedagogical research to work on how to enhance safe and brave spaces for exploring perceptions of marginalized groups. My work has been published in journals including The Extractive Industries and Society, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Teaching Sociology, The Qualitative Report, Communication Teacher among others. Also, I am co-authored a book titled “Sociological Studies of Environmental Conflict” by Rowman & Littlefield Publisher.

Dr. Gonca Soyer completed her Master’s and Phd in Human Development and Family Studies from University of North Texas. She worked as an adjunct in Salt Lake Community College and Utah State University in the department of Human Development and Family Studies and Department of Psychology for several years. As of August 2022, she has been teaching as a full time lecturer in the Psychology department at USU. She teaches both introductory level courses and upper level courses.

Josie Tollefson recently graduated from Utah State University with her bachelors in Sociology. She has worked under Dr. Mehmet Soyer as an undergraduate researcher as well as undergraduate teaching fellow.

Dr. Nichelle Frank is an Assistant Professor of U.S. History at Utah State University Eastern, studying the effects of the U.S. environmental and historic preservation movements on cultural landscapes in intermountain mining towns from the nineteenth century to the present. Her courses include survey U.S. history courses, women in U.S. history, Utah history, and public history. In her classroom, students explore historic documents, artifacts, music, images, films, and maps. This classroom experience weaves together environmental, architectural, gender, race, and transcultural histories in the realms of public history and historic preservation. Dr. Frank also works with organizations such as the National Council on Public History and the University of Colorado’s Applied History Initiative to bring a historical perspective to current affairs.

Matthew D. LaPlante is an associate professor of journalistic writing at Utah State University, where he teaches classes in news writing, feature writing, opinion writing, sports writing, podcasting, and crisis communication. As a journalist, LaPlante has reported from more than a dozen nations on topics including ritual infanticide in Northern Africa, insurgent warfare in the Middle East, the legacy of genocide in Southeast Asia, and gang violence in Central America. He is the author of Superlative: The Biology of Extremes and the co-author of multiple books about the intersections of health, science and society. Since 2018, he has been the host of UnDisciplined, a research-themed weekly program on Utah Public Radio. In 2022, he was the recipient of the university’s top award for online teaching.

Jessie Koltz earned her PhD from the University of Nevada, Reno in Counselor Education and Supervision. She graduated from Penn State with an M.Ed. in Counselor Education and Supervision in 2013 and earned her undergraduate degree from SUNY Buffalo in Psychology and Early Childhood Education in 2011 while competing as a D1 swimmer. She has served as a school counselor in various settings and is the current program director of the M.Ed. in School Counseling program at USU. Her research interests include educator well-being through mindfulness-based practices and education implementing social emotional learning (SEL) and social emotional academic development (SEAD) practices, and school counselor development and supervision as related to student outcome and community collaboration.

Jenifer is a Clinical Associate Professor of Social Work at Utah State University. Though her professional ambitions never included teaching, she has developed a passion for the craft and enjoys continually discovering more about how people learn. Jen’s favorite teaching strategies have all been stolen from others and modified to meet her teaching and course objectives, which really paid off when she was awarded USU’s Eldon J. Gardner Teacher of the Year Award in 2022. Jen loves the parallels between her work with students in the classroom and the professional social work she does with clients and finds that lessons learned in each context lead to improvements in the approach she uses in both.

A first-generation college student, Kimberly intentionally spent over 25 years in a family enterprise building and engaging 6 humans who would make the world a little more compassionate and reliable. It continues to be her most rewarding work. Upon the launch of her youngest, she earned a graduate degree in education and pursued a second career with Utah State University’s TRIO Student Support Services project as an academic advisor and subsequent director. Collaborating with a team of passionate educators while serving first-generation, income-eligible students, most of whom hail from the Navajo Nation, has been a joyous adventure. As a certified CliftonStrengths® coach, Kimberly helps others celebrate their strengths and learn to create valuable, relational connections as well as make strategic, constructive choices that will positively influence them and others for a lifetime.

Kelsey has been in education her entire career, beginning with teaching and coaching at the secondary level for twelve years in multiple schools. She loves learning and helping others discover the possibilities available to them through education. In her spare time, Kelsey enjoys being in the outdoors, reading, playing with her dog, and spending time with her family. She has two bachelors degrees from USU in English and Physical Education with an emphasis on teaching.

Heather Lyman, a passionate advocate for education and personal growth, is driven by her unwavering commitment to guiding others on their educational journeys. As a first-generation college student, she understands the transformative power of education firsthand. Balancing her roles as a devoted wife and mother, Heather’s love for nurturing extends to her TRIO team and students at USU Blanding. She loves her work with the USU Blanding TRIO SSS students as the TRIO SSS Academic Advisor/Transfer Counselor, a Gallup Certified CliftonStrengths Coach, and an instructor of USU 1050. She seamlessly integrates “habits of mind” to empower those she supports, leaving an enduring positive impact on their academic pursuits and personal development. She is commitment to ensuring that all students, especially those facing unique challenges, are empowered to achieve their dreams.

Sarah taught elementary school for five years before living nine years next to the stunning, postcard monoliths of Monument Valley where she and her husband worked and grew their family. For the past six years, Sarah has labored in love at USU Blanding where she is currently the program coordinator for the Tutoring and Writing Center. As a certified Clifton Strengths coach, she loves helping students to see their amazing abilities and how these abilities enable them to uniquely contribute to the world and overcome life’s challenges. Sarah is passionate about empowering student learning.

I’m a Learning Specialist who loves discovering ways to make studying fun and effective. I teach Study Strategy and Habits of Mind Courses since 2016. My favorite thing about teaching is the chance to learn with students. When I’m not in my office, I’ll either be reading, exercising, painting, practicing the piano, or enjoying sunsets framed with beautiful mountains. I have a wonderful partner and 4 amazing kids that I continually learn from everyday.

Sharon Lyman works as a learning specialist to support student learning and the integration of learning strategies in general education courses. She teaches Habits of Mind courses on learning, reading, and planning. Additionally, she teaches a first year student orientation course known as “Connections”. Sharon’s teaching style is best described as learner-centered and instructor-supported. Her classes aim to be relevant to learners, promote student agency, provide constructive feedback, and cultivate a sense of community among learners. Sharon has a Master’s degree in Second Language Teaching and a Bachelor’s in Communication Studies.

Antje Graul, Ph.D., is Assistant Professor of Marketing at Utah State University. Her research examines consumer decision-making and consumer adoption of sustainable products and services, such as collaborative consumption objects or electric vehicles. She published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology, Journal of Business Research, and Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science. She is the USU Campus Director of the NSF funded Research Center for “Advancing Sustainability through Powered Infrastructure for Roadway Electrification” (ASPIRE).

Ayse Sapci is an Assistant Professor of Economics at the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University. Ayse completed her Ph.D. in Economics at Vanderbilt University and has been teaching at various institutions, including Colgate University and Vanderbilt University, before joining USU. Her passion for teaching began at Colgate, a private liberal arts college. Ayse’s research and teaching expertise are in Macroeconomics and Financial Economics. As a Huntsman Scholar mentor, Ayse is devoted to helping USU students achieve their academic goals. She aims to improve their learning experience and help them secure better internships and jobs.

Raymond Veon is currently the Assistant Dean for Arts Education in the Caine College of the Arts at Utah State University (USU), a Professor in the Department of Art & Design, a Distinguished Professor in the Honors Program, an affiliate faculty member in the Chaos Learning Lab at USU, and is also the Founding Director for the college’s Beverly Taylor Sorenson Arts Access Program, an endowed program serving students with special needs through the arts. Professor Veon was formerly the Director of Fine and Performing Arts in the Atlanta Public Schools (APS) and taught at Georgia State University. His artistic research deals with social and identity boundaries, while his academic research includes work in creativity, educational assessment, and disability.

Jason joined USU in 2018. He received his Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from the University of North Dakota. Prior to pursuing a career in academia, Jason worked as a prosecutor in Arizona. He worked regularly in the areas of drug interdiction, arson, and medical marijuana. His research has largely followed those areas of expertise, focusing on the history of prosecution and other legal transitions in the criminal justice system. When he is not working, Jason enjoys playing music with his band, writing fiction, and playing board games.

Rachel Robison-Greene is an Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Utah State. Her research interests are largely in meta-ethics, epistemology, and applied ethics, especially as it pertains to animals, the environment, and technology. She is the author of the book Edibility and in Vitro Meat: Ethical Considerations and the co-author of the book Conspiracy Theories in the Time of Coronavirus. Rachel serves as the Secretary of the Public Philosophy Network, the Secretary of the Culture and Animals Foundation, and is the Chair Elect of the Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl.

Sarah Tulane is a clinical associate professor of Human Development and Family Studies and the coordinator of the online HDFS undergraduate degree. Dr. Tulane teaches in a variety of formats at the undergraduate and graduate level. Her current teaching assignments include Human Development Across the Lifespan, Child Development, Family Life Education Methods, and Research Methods. She was the 2015 and 2023 College of Education and Human Services Teacher of the Year. Dr. Tulane is dedicated to helping her students engage in coursework that is personally and professionally relevant to them. She has a passion for mentoring students to succeed, especially the students she advises in the online HDFS major.

Dr. Joyce Kinkead is Distinguished Professor Emeritus of English at Utah State University. Her primary scholarly areas are in Writing Studies and Undergraduate Research. In 2013, she was honored by the Carnegie Foundation/CASE US Professors of the Year Award Program as the Utah winner. In 2012, she was named a Fellow of the Council of Undergraduate Research. Additionally, she is the D. Wynne Thorne Researcher for 2018 Kinkead served as Associate Vice President of Research (2000-2011) overseeing undergraduate research. She was Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies & Research as well. She is the author or editor of a number of books, the most recent listed here: A Writing Studies Primer (2022); Researching Writing (2016); Farm (3rd edition 2019); Undergraduate Research Offices & Programs (2012); Undergraduate Research in English Studies with Laurie Grobman (2010).

Ekaterina Arshavskaya, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the intensive English program at Utah State University. She currently co-directs the Master of Second Language Teaching program at the same university. She also advises PhD students in the Teacher Education and Leadership program at USU. Her research and teaching interests
include intercultural learning, multilingual literature, computer-assisted language learning, critical pedagogy, and L2 teacher education. She is actively engaged with Intermountain TESOL and International TESOL. She has served the TESOL ITA-IS as a community events organizer and a newsletter editor and published in System, TESOL Journal and Teaching Education journals.

Karin’s early interests in languages and cultures led her to pursue advanced degrees in linguistics with an emphasis in second language acquisition. She taught undergraduate and graduate students for 30 years, frequently switching things up by traveling and working abroad. She has shared her ideas with audiences of educators at regional, national, and international conferences. She was awarded a US Fulbright Scholar grant to Chile in 2015 and to Uzbekistan in 2023, working with English language teachers in both locations. Karin has served on the Faculty Committee of Empowering Teaching Excellence, on the editorial board of the Journal for Empowering Teaching Excellence, and as reviewer for the International Journal of Multicultural Education. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and snowshoeing in the mountains surrounding Logan, Utah.

Rachel K. Turner, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Elementary Education in the School of Teacher Education & Leadership, She is a statewide faculty member located at the Utah State University Eastern campus. She graduated with a PhD in Curriculum & Instruction from Texas A&M University in 2020. Rachel teaches course such as classroom management, early childhood education and social studies teaching methods. Her research revolves around curriculum integration, the use of picture books in social studies instruction and the use of inquiry to support social studies teaching and learning.