Iowa environment
I enjoy the environment at Iowa. It is a Big Ten school, but there’s a rural feel to it, and people care about each other. I really like that. There’s a sense of community.

Integrating technology in teaching
In the classroom, I use an integrated technology approach. One-third of my class is didactic or lecture-based, one-third is experiential, and one-third is technology-based. Every course I teach has a virtual classroom component.

Mentoring students
I feel mentoring students is extremely important for every faculty member and I adhere to more of an old school approach to mentoring. When students are admitted into the program, it’s really a lifelong commitment. A relationship develops and the mentoring continues even after they are gone.

Advice for students
I would advise students new to the University that it's important to balance academics with extracurricular involvement by joining a student organization or activity. The more people they get to know through these activities, the more their college life will be enriched. They should also identify a faculty mentor early within their interest area and be intentional about seeking advice and wisdom. It's not like faculty members are going to come knocking on their door, but if the student shows an interest and is respectful, my experience is that faculty members will help them in any way they can.