Describe what you are currently doing for work and the path you took to get to this point:
I am an adjunct professor at SNHU and UMASS, where I teach a variety of courses. At SNHU, I primarily teach humanities ancient cultures to Renaissance, ethics and philosophy. At UMASS Lowell, I teach College Writing I and II and Honor Seminar.
In 2006, while completing the Master's degree, I started teaching English classes for NHTI in Concord, NH. Upon graduating, I began teaching English and ethics at McIntosh College. I began building an adjunct teaching career and over the years added courses and schools.
I published a book based on my Master's thesis with Lambert Publishers. My interest in the hero/journey archetype and popular culture has led to presenting papers at popular culture conferences around the country and several publications. Most recently a paper was included in an anthology Pop Culture Matters: Proceedings of the 39th Conference of the Northeast Popular Culture Association by Cambridge Scholars Publishing.
I also write fiction and nonfiction, and am venturing into publishing. My paranormal novel "Inheritance Revealed" was published in November, 2018.
How did your education in COLA prepare you for life after college?
I took additional graduate classes so I would have 18 graduate hours in humanities and philosophy as well as English, which qualified me to teach a variety of courses. The Liberal Studies program was flexible enough, so I could take a variety of courses.
What person or course most influenced you while at UNH?
There were four professors who greatly influenced me while I was at UNH. Dr. Carney, UNH Durham Education department; Dr. Susi Patterson; Dr. Terry Savage and Dr. John Cerullo all from UNH Manchester also were great influences.
Dr. Savage is the one who suggested I major in humanities when I began taking classes at UNH Manchester. He instilled a love of ancient cultures in me that continues today. I travel extensively and my research always incorporates ancient cultures and philosophy. Dr. Savage also encouraged me to share my fiction writing. I was very nervous about sharing writing in a fiction class I was taking, but with Dr. Savage's encouragement, I was able to get over the fear.
What do you know now that you wish you'd known while at UNH?
I wish I knew how to find conferences and journals for presenting research. When I was in graduate school at UNH Durham, the graduate conference was encouraged, but there was no help in looking for outlets for research. On my own, I found a call for papers for the National Popular Culture/ American Culture Association and for the Eureka Studies in Teaching Short Fiction Journal. I sent in proposals and fortunately was accepted into both.
What advice do you have for students interested in your field?
Begin teaching as soon as possible. It is not for everyone. Also submit proposals to conferences and journals often. They are not only outlets for publication but are a good way to network.
