Program: Instructor, Medical Laboratory Technology
Education/Industry Certifications: Bachelor of Science degree in
Education with an emphasis in Communication Disorders; Associate of
Science degree in Medical Laboratory Technology, currently working
on Master of Arts degree in Management.
Has taught at SCC since: 2010
Years of work experience outside SCC: 6
Describe your teaching
philosophy.
My teaching philosophy is quite simple: Learning should be fun,
and we should care about our students! I strongly believe that if
the students are having fun, then they are engaged. If they are
engaged, then they are learning. As an instructor you must care
about the students whose lives you are influencing. Teaching is
much more than putting in an eight-hour day. To teach well, one
must care.
Why did you decide to
teach at a community college?
When I was a student here I remember thinking that teaching in
the program would be fun. The instructors seemed to know everything
about the lab, and they were so engaged in our education. They were
much more involved than most of the instructors I'd had at the
university, and that was a big draw for me. After I graduated, I
had made it my goal to become an instructor at SCC in the Medical
Laboratory Technology program. What better way to give back to the
institution that gave me so much?
What can prospective
students expect when they enroll in your program?
Prospective students can expect a program that is deep in math
and science. Our core classes cover subject matter that is not
taught to the degree in which we teach it in any other
program. Almost all of our core classes include a laboratory
portion, so we have a lot of hands-on learning. The material can be
quite challenging, but it is so interesting. I always tell my
students that the classes should be challenging, otherwise anyone
would be doing what we do, and I don't want just anyone running my
lab work.
What experiences outside
of SCC do you bring to the classroom/laboratory that enhance
student learning?
I have a Bachelor of Science degree in education with an
emphasis in communication disorders. This degree opened my eyes to
a lot of different ways of engaging a learner. I had to have
one-on-one clinical experience with clients needing assistance with
such things as speech problems all the way to reading
comprehension. This helped prepare me for the world of teaching and
trying to connect with each student on a personal level, to let
them know that I care. I worked in one of the Lincoln hospitals for
six years in a full-service laboratory. I worked my way up from a
phlebotomist to a Medical Laboratory Scientist trained in all areas
of the laboratory. I have a well-rounded view of the laboratory
that I share with my students.
What advice do you have
for students pursuing a degree in your program?
Try to have a strong background in math and science as that is
the basis of our core classes. Come prepared to work hard and
you'll do well!
What do you enjoy most
about working with students?
I love the one-on-one time we get in student lab. I believe this
is one of the best things about our program. The student/instructor
barrier that is many times present in lecture settings comes down,
and we work together with the students as a learning
team.
What is the best part
about being an SCC faculty member?
The best part is watching the students grow, not only in
knowledge of the subject matter, but also in confidence. When I
first meet the students, their laboratory knowledge is minimal, and
they are like a blank canvas. During the course of the year that I
have them in my courses, I have the privilege to watch them develop
into smart, well-rounded laboratory professionals.
What has been your
proudest moment as an instructor?
My proudest moment was as a new instructor when my first class
of students graduated. We all learned so much together that year,
and it was so wonderful to see them graduate and go into the
professional world and be successful.
What do you like to do
when you're not teaching?
When I'm not teaching I spend time with my family. I have a
wonderful, handsome husband, two children, ages 3 and 7 months, and
three doggies. I keep busy either chasing a child or a dog. I also
like to read, to try to play the piano and put puzzles
together.
What would students be surprised to know about
you?
I love to play video games! I tell people it helps with hand-eye
coordination, which is essential in a laboratory technologist, but
I don't know if that's true. I really only stick to the
"old-school" games. I had a Super Mario Brothers wedding cake and
once got 500+ lines in Tetris. As for Bond on the N64 . . . bring
it!
Is there anything you'd like to add?
I think the education I received at Southeast Community College
was so beneficial in shaping me to be the person I am today. With
the quality of instruction I received, I was able to hit the floor
running when I graduated. I would encourage anyone wanting to go
into laboratory medicine to consider the Medical Laboratory
Technology program at SCC.