veteran and family support
I am deeply committed to providing tailored support for veterans and their families as they navigate the challenges of transitioning to civilian life and pursuing educational and professional opportunities. Drawing on my own experience as a disabled Persian Gulf War veteran, I understand the unique obstacles faced by military-connected individuals and am dedicated to developing resources and programs that address their specific needs.
I design educational frameworks and STEM-focused initiatives that empower veterans and their families to build successful careers, particularly in STEM fields. By recognizing the diverse skill sets and experiences veterans bring, I create customized pathways that integrate technical training, academic support, and career readiness. My work ensures that veterans can effectively translate their military expertise into meaningful civilian applications.
Beyond career-focused programs, I address the broader challenges of family adaptation, especially for those stationed overseas. I collaborate with international institutions and military bases, such as Ramstein Air Base in Germany, to provide educational continuity and STEM learning opportunities for military families. These cross-cultural initiatives are designed to ease transitions, foster adaptability, and create environments where both service members and their families can thrive.
My dedication extends to advocacy and mentoring, where I work to influence policy changes and institutional practices that improve access to education and resources for military families. By sharing my insights and experiences, I aim to provide invaluable guidance to veterans and their families, helping them achieve long-term success and fulfillment in their educational and professional journeys.
Mentoring
As a sailor, engineer, and nuclear power plant operator, my journey has been profoundly shaped by the guidance of mentors—both positive and negative. In the professional world, mentorship often defines success, much like in the trades, where even the most skilled master electrician begins as an apprentice. Early in my career, I was fortunate to work under mentors who not only taught technical skills but also instilled confidence, resilience, and the ability to perform under pressure. These experiences solidified my belief in the transformative power of mentorship and inspired my commitment to providing full and thorough guidance.
However, I have also experienced the opposite: assigned mentors who did the bare minimum, leaving me questioning my abilities despite completing my training. This lack of meaningful support created a difficult work environment and underscored for me how critical mentorship is—not just for skill development but for fostering a sense of competence, belonging, and confidence in one's role.
These contrasting experiences have fueled my passion for mentoring and my dedication to creating an environment where mentees feel empowered and equipped for success.
As a Graduate Mentoring Fellow and Graduate Mentoring Instructor at Texas A&M University, I strive to ensure that the support I provide is comprehensive, thoughtful, and impactful. My mission extends beyond helping students achieve their immediate goals; I aim to empower them with the skills, confidence, and resilience necessary to navigate their academic and professional journeys successfully.
I create a mentoring environment that prioritizes open communication, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to growth. Drawing on my extensive experience in STEM education and professional development, I inspire students to embrace challenges, explore new opportunities, and develop practical tools to overcome obstacles. By connecting academic concepts to real-world applications, I guide my mentees in linking their educational pursuits with their long-term goals.
Through a personalized approach, I work to instill a sense of purpose and direction that extends well beyond the classroom. I am dedicated to ensuring that students achieve not only immediate success but also build a strong foundation for fulfilling and impactful lives. Whether guiding them through complex decisions, providing practical strategies, or serving as a source of encouragement, I remain committed to supporting their aspirations and helping them contribute meaningfully to their chosen fields.
Research Collaboration and Consulting
I offer extensive research collaboration and consulting services, leveraging my expertise in STEM education, Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration, and cross-cultural studies. I partner with academic institutions, researchers, and organizations to design and execute impactful research projects that address critical challenges in education and professional development.
My focus includes applying AI to enhance learning outcomes, developing adaptive learning platforms, and creating innovative instructional practices tailored to diverse populations, such as veterans and military families. My collaborations often involve designing research studies, developing methodologies, and analyzing data to ensure evidence-based solutions that drive meaningful change.
I am also dedicated to bridging the gap between theoretical research and practical application. By working with cross-disciplinary teams, I strive to ensure that research findings translate into actionable strategies for educators, institutions, and policymakers. Whether assisting with grant proposals, conducting systematic reviews, or mentoring emerging researchers, I aim to provide invaluable insights and guidance to advance STEM education and beyond.
My research collaborations extend internationally, particularly in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland), where I explore cross-cultural engineering education and partner with institutions like the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI). These partnerships aim to establish global benchmarks for integrating AI into curriculum design while fostering inclusive, innovative, and impactful educational practices.