What does winning this award mean to you?

Winning this award represents a “coming full circle” moment for me, because it means that I am achieving my goal by doing at least a few things right in teaching my online students about marketing, and that my courses are of value to students personally and professionally.

If you received this award on stage at a ceremony like the Oscars or the Grammys, what would you say?

I would not be the online instructor I am without the tremendous support, guidance, mentorship, and dedication of our LCB instructional designer, George Reese. I also want to recognize the support of our online teaching faculty in the LCB who have selflessly shared their ideas, enthusiasm, and resources that I continually learn and draw inspiration from.

Creating a successful online class experience – especially ones with team projects – also lies with the students themselves. I appreciate and value the feedback from students that has helped me revise courses each term, the grace shown as I’ve learned alongside them, and dedication to and hard work in the courses. Finally, a huge thank you to my family for supporting me in doing this job that I love, even when it means answering emails during walks and grading discussion posts on Saturdays.

How would you describe what you do (i.e. teaching, research, etc.) to someone outside of the UO?

As a marketing professor, I teach students how to be strategic thinkers and creative problem solvers by exploring all the different ways and means that companies use to get you interested in and buying their products.

I also teach students how to annoy their roommates when watching commercials and movies by pointing out the advertising decisions and product placement, how to take five times as long at the grocery store and spend less, and how to describe just how crazy-complex each of us is as consumers. In short, I teach students how to be more aware of the world around them and themselves through the lens of marketing.

What was your favorite class or subject in high school? College?

My favorite class in high school was AP Literature. In college, my favorite course was my marketing management course. It was in that course that I discovered my love for all things marketing that inspired me to follow the path that led me to teaching marketing at the UO.

What’s the most inspiring classroom moment you’ve experienced, either as a student or a teacher?

The most inspiring classroom moment I’ve experienced as a student was when I walked into my first marketing course as an undergraduate. In that first class, I finally found something that felt right for me after trying out three different majors. 

As a teacher, the most inspiring classroom moment I have is repeated every single term when I get to hear students’ presentations on their term-long projects. There is nothing more satisfying than to hear students put what they’ve learned into action, and to do so intelligently, concisely, and creatively. It’s like a mini-graduation from marketing every 10 weeks, and I can’t stop smiling as their proud marketing “mom.”

What are you listening to right now OR what is your favorite music to put on?

Right now I’m listening to “Let it Go” from Frozen, as performed by my kids. My favorite music to put on is anything that gets us dancing and grooving because dance parties are simply the best. Current favorites in the house are Kelly Clarkson’s "Stronger," Shakira’s "Waka Waka," and The Greatest Showman’s "From Now On."

Where can you be found when you’re not in the classroom (or in front of your computer on Zoom!)?

When I am not in front of my computer, I will be either in the kitchen baking or making something with The Great British Bake-Off in the background as inspiration, playing with my kids outside or trying to convince them to go on a walk with me, or running to Costco.