Oakes Student Life Office: Monica's Journey to STEM Education and Racial Justice

Monica has spent years investigating what drives students' interest in engineering and other STEM activities. Through her research, she has spoken with practicing professionals, undergraduate students, educators, middle school teachers and students, elementary school teachers and students, and children and families about their experiences. She uses a combination of video analysis and open-ended interviews to gain insight into these conversations.

Monica's curiosity extends beyond the classroom walls, too. She is fascinated by how parents and families support learning and engagement in STEM activities, and she believes that human-centered approaches to design can play a crucial role in this process. Her research and teaching interests focus on engineering design, mathematical thinking, and computational thinking across formal and informal settings.

As someone committed to pursuing racial justice, equity, and dignity, Monica recognizes the importance of acknowledging her own biases and areas for improvement. She is dedicated to creating inclusive learning environments that promote social justice and equality.

Before becoming an educator, Monica gained valuable experience in various roles. She taught physical education to preschoolers, substitute taught math and science at a middle school, and tutored students and adults in English as a Second Language. Her time with AmeriCorps allowed her to tutor technical college students in math and ESL.

Monica's academic background is impressive, too. As an undergraduate, she majored in mathematics and minored in English. She even worked on math proofs informally with her dad during 'kitchen conversations.' This early exposure to complex mathematical concepts sparked her interest in STEM fields and fueled her passion for teaching.

For Monica, her love of patterns as a child and her enthusiasm for playing with science at the Exploratorium marked the beginning of her STEM journey. Today, she continues to inspire students through her work at Oakes Student Life Office, fostering a culture of inclusivity, creativity, and critical thinking in education.

Oakes student life office