Research/Teaching

Name:
Location:
Orono, Maine, United States
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Summary

AREAS OF INTEREST
Research * Teaching * Political Science * Public Administration

ACHIEVEMENTS & APPRECIATIONS
* University of Maine (2013) Summer Dissertation Fellowship
* Coin of Excellence (2012) – LTC Jeffrey Thomas, U.S. Army Medical Research Unit – Europe
* Thurgood Marshall Scholarship (2011) – Graduate scholarship in Political Science
* American Association of University Women (2010) – Book Awards
* Dean’s List – University of Maine (2005) – Recognition of high academic achievement
* Alpha Sigma Lambda (2004) – Premier national honor society for nontraditional students
* Phi Kappa Phi Fraternity (2004) – Nation’s oldest, most selective, all-discipline honor society
* Magna Cum Laude – Beal College (1991) – Recognition of high academic achievement

RESEARCH EXPERIENCES
Sudan & South Sudan: Economic Development & Ethnopolitical Conflict, 2011–2013
Comparative quantitative analysis of economic development and ethnopolitical conflict in Sudan and South Sudan. Collected, computed, and analyzed statistical data using large data sets; performed statistical analysis using multiple regression, measurement of central tendency, and sampling error to determine applicability of specific economic and conflict theories to inform policymakers of results.

The Growing Latin American Influence: Opportunities for Maine’s Economy, 2009
Internship with the Maine Center for Economic Policy. Used census data from 1860-2008 to research the contributions of the Latino community to Maine’s economy. Applied quantitative and qualitative research methods that include collecting, computing, and analyzing statistical data; locating relevant data to analyze a specified topic; designing tables and charts to illustrate analyses; conducting interviews; and preparing preliminary reports.

Post-9/11 Regulations and International Student Enrollment, 2006–2007
Comparative analyses of the relationship between U.S. federal regulations enacted after 9/11 and enrollment levels of international students in a three-tiered study—U.S., Maine, and at the University of Maine. Compiled and assembled statistical materials into large data sets, collected data from a variety of sources, analyzed quantitative survey results, and conducted qualitative focus groups to enhance findings.

Workplace Violence, 2005–2006
Collaborated with the Maine Department of Labor and the Family Crisis Services to conduct qualitative interviews on the impact of domestic abuse in the workplace.

Oral History of Immigrant Women, 2004
Comparative analysis of the perceptions and impacts of immigration experiences on women using relevant sociological data analysis and methods. Conducted interviews to collect data and analyze results.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Universities Fighting World Hunger, 2011–2012
Founding member to organize a University of Maine chapter of the international program.

President’s Council on Disabilities (University of Maine), 2010–2012
Contributed to advise the university President and Director of Equal Opportunity on concerns related to the establishment of an environment free of physical, programmatic, and attitudinal barriers for persons with disabilities.

U.S. Foreign Policy Summer Institute (George Washington University), 2008
Completed the course to enhance political analysis, leadership, and cross-cultural skills.

Graduate Student Government (University of Maine), 2008–2011
* Grants Officer of the GSG Executive Committee for the 2010-2011 academic year
o Administered the disbursement of $67,000 in grants and $7,700 to GSG-recognized graduate-student organizations.
o Conducted descriptive analyses to inform graduate senate body of grants-related activities.
o Chaired committees to review the funding requests process and established protocols for reviews and disbursements.
* GSG Senator for Public Administration, 2008-2010
o Discussed issues of concern to graduate students and served as the contact person for graduate students in the Public Administration program.
o Invited local government officials, community and business leaders, and academic scholars from a wide array of disciplines to participate in the Graduate Expo to align with the university’s initiative on community outreach and to develop new professional networks.

Specialities

  • Ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds and viewpoints,
  • Analytical problem-solving,
  • Attention to details,
  • College-level course development and implementation,
  • Comparative statistical analysis,
  • Networking,
  • Quantitative and qualitative research methods,
  • U.S. Department of State - Secret Security Clearance (2011)

Skills

  • SPSS: Statistical Package for the Social Sciences
  • Blackboard: Online course development software
  • Microsoft Office: Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word
  • EndNote: Bibliography, citation, and reference software
  • WordPress: Website management software
  • Adobe Acrobat: Form creation and document management software

Spoken Languages

  • English (Advanced),
  • German (Novice)

Education

University of Maine – Orono, ME

  • Doctor of Philosophy (2013), Interdisciplinary in Political Science & History with coursework in Public Administration 
  • Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (2007), Educational Research 
  • Bachelor of Science in University Studies (2005), Political Science & Economics with a minor in Women’s Studies

Beal College – Bangor, ME – Magna Cum Laude

  • Associate of Science (1991), Data Management

Experience

Summer Intern * 37.5 hours/week * Jul–Aug 2013
Prudential Group Insurance
2 Portland Square
Portland ME 04101

  • Developed and distributed a training manual for newly hired team leaders and to serve as a general resource guide.* Developed and distributed a facilities services manual to inform employees on the protocols for emergencies and non-emergency situations.
  • Conducted interviews at local and corporate levels to collect data, conduct descriptive statistical analyses, and developed images for the manuals.

Graduate Assistant * 20 hours/week * Nov 2012–May 2013
University of Maine – Center for Undergraduate Research (CUGR)
220 Stevens Hall
Orono, ME 04469

  • Planned and implemented the CUGR Showcase to highlight undergraduate-faculty research and creative academic collaborations.
  • Invited local government officials, community and business leaders, and academic scholars from a wide array of disciplines to participate in the CUGR showcase, which aligns with the university’s initiative on community outreach, and to develop new professional networks.
  • Mentored undergraduate students in research and presentation skills.
  • Updated and maintained the CUGR website and database.
  • Administered the system to request and review grant proposals and applications for fellowships.

Research Support Specialist – Summer Intern * 40 hours/week * Aug–Sep, 2012
Department of Defense – US Army Medical Research Unit-Europe
Nachricten Kaserne
Heidelberg, Germany (DE)

  • Conducted literature searches for journal articles that address the health concerns of military personnel.
  • Conducted background research on the Beth Hudnall Stamm’s Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL 5) to determine the applicability to a study in the development stage.
  • Researched the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory as potential instruments for a research study on job satisfaction in the military.
  • Converted 341 archived research articles and studies into electronic format using EndNote software as part of the unit’s paper reduction initiative and to facilitate storage and retrieval.

Administrative Support Specialist – Summer Intern * 40 hours/week * May–Aug, 2012
U.S. Department of the Army – Europe
Heidelberg, Germany

  • Reviewed and updated memorandum-submission guidelines received from various sources (e.g., Battalion Commander, Civilian Personnel, Budget Office, etc.). 
  • Established, updated, and developed complex administrative office procedures to streamline the efficient flow of work among the Command Group and parties and agencies outside the organization.
  • Assisted with the review of administrative policies, clarified complex and confusing guidelines, and made recommendations to higher-level staff for changes to administrative policy.

Temporary Administrative Assistant * 20 hours/week * Jun-Aug 2010, May-Aug 2011, Feb-Apr 2012
University of Maine – Department of English
5752 Neville Hall
Orono, ME 04469

  • Maintained confidential files and databases on approximately 250 undergraduate and 30 graduate students.
  • Conducted descriptive analyses and developed reports and charts as instructed.
  • Assisted the Director of Graduate Studies with admissions process.
    Note: Served in this temporary position during three periods of job searches.

Graduate Teaching Assistant & Part-Time Faculty * 20 hours/week * Sept 2008–Aug 2010
University of Maine – Maine Studies Program
5713 Chadbourne Hall
Orono, ME 04469

Developed and implemented two courses to fulfill curriculum requirements for a minor in Maine Studies: 

  • Introduction to Maine Studies (MES 101) 
  • The Maine Coast (MES 201)

Graduate Research Assistant * 20 hours/week * Aug 2006–Aug 2008
University of Maine – Center for Research & Evaluation
5766 Shibles Hall
Orono, ME 04469

  • Performed a wide range of professional statistical work, such as sampling, collecting, computing, and analyzing statistical data. 
  • Applyied diverse statistical techniques that included measurements of central tendency, dispersion, skewnedess, sampling error, multiple regression, analysis of variance, and tests of significance. 
  • ollaborated with schools, communities, and public agencies to provide quantitative and qualitative research methods and data analyses. 
  • Designed and conducted course evaluations and data analyses for an international genetics research laboratory.
  • Served as managing editor of the “Journal for Research in Rural Education,” an international peer-review publication, to clear a backlog of manuscript submissions.

Executive Administrative Assistant * 40 hours/week * Oct 2001–Jan 2007
University Of Maine – Cooperative Extension
5741 Libby Hall
Orono, ME 04469

  • Performed administrative and complex support staff work that involved considerable internal and external contacts and independent thinking.
  • Conducted quantitative search analyses to produce descriptive charts and develop graphs to inform internal and external stakeholders and policymakers.
  • Completed difficult non-routine tasks with minimal supervision.
  • Routinely handled confidential information.
  • Communicated verbally and in writing on non-routine matters, which involved policy interpretations.

Police Communications Officer * 40 hours/week * Feb 1979–Aug 2001
Department of Public Safety – Maine State Police
PO Box 229
Orono, ME 04473

  • Coordinated routine and emergency communication services for Maine State Police, Inland Fish & Game, Department of Marine Resources, State Fire Marshall’s Office, and other state departments. 
  • Worked with media professionals to ensure the accurate reporting of events involving Maine State Police and Public Safety personnel.
  • Professionally coordinated multiagency responses to critical situations. 
  • Effectively worked under pressure with little or no supervision.