MMSA Title: Marketing Specialist
Hometown: Gorham, ME
Education: B.S. Marketing, Minor(s) in Studio Arts and Honors, University of Southern Maine; Master of Business Administration (MBA), University of Maine.
Something you’re proud of at MMSA: One thing I am proud of at MMSA is getting to support and promote projects that create real impact. Whether it is expanding access to STEM education, helping students see themselves as scientists and problem-solvers, or amplifying the work of teachers across Maine, it feels meaningful. It is rewarding to help share these stories and to be part of an organization that is committed to equity, innovation, and making STEM relevant in people’s everyday lives.
What is your teaching/learning philosophy: I believe learning should be hands-on, inclusive, and grounded in real-world experience. I am an interdisciplinary thinker by nature, someone who has worked as a researcher, artist, writer, and communicator, and I’ve found that the most meaningful learning happens when we move beyond rigid categories and draw connections across fields. Creativity, curiosity, and experimentation are core to how I approach learning.
Trying new ideas and taking risks are how meaningful learning begins. Mistakes are not failures, but invitations to pause, reflect, and refine. I value environments that make space for people to ask questions, explore the unfamiliar, and push past the boundaries of a single discipline. Whether through transdisciplinary collaboration or individual discovery, I see learning as an evolving, shared process that brings together varied ways of thinking and lived experience.
STEM passion area: My STEM passion is rooted in human-technology interaction, particularly in designing tools, systems, and experiences that are usable and meaningful for people with a wide range of abilities. I am drawn to research that centers on users and supports thoughtful, inclusive design from the earliest stages. As a past human-subject researcher, I’ve contributed to a variety of projects aligned with this focus, including developing touchscreen-based graphical access for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, designing inclusive indoor navigation systems that promote independent mobility, and supporting autonomous vehicle research aimed at improving safety and expanding access to transportation.
In addition to physical accessibility, I am motivated by a belief in making scientific information more understandable and approachable. I believe that technology and research should be shared in ways that are clear, engaging, and relevant to all people. Whether I’m translating technical findings into public-facing content or contributing to the design of assistive tools, I focus on connecting innovative ideas with practical use in people’s daily lives. I see this work as not only a technical effort but a human one, grounded in listening, learning, and creating solutions that work for everyone.
What do you like most about your role at MMSA: What I value most about my role is the opportunity to blend marketing, communications, and research, which naturally complement one another in how we share and shape ideas. It’s fulfilling to work with such a talented and committed team that is focused on improving STEM education in Maine and beyond.
Favorite STEM-related memory: One of my favorite STEM-related memories comes from my astronomy lab class at the University of Southern Maine with Professor Bernard Reim. I have always felt curious about space, and this class brought that fascination to life in both scientific and personal ways. We completed hands-on, engaging lab activities, but the most memorable part was the opportunity to ask questions at the end of each assignment. The questions I asked often went beyond the course material and invited exploration of topics like astronomy, physics, consciousness, and the human experience.
I asked questions such as, How does consciousness fit into our understanding of the universe? Could time exist without human perception? In return, Professor Reim wrote several pages of thoughtful, handwritten reflections that blended science, philosophy, and imagination. I still have those responses. They remind me that science goes beyond data and formulas; It invites curiosity, encourages reflection, and leaves room for wonder.
What did you do before you worked at MMSA: Prior to joining MMSA, I worked at the University of Maine’s VEMI Lab, where I supported research and communications for a federally funded project focused on accessible indoor navigation. I also led marketing and communications efforts for the Office of the Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School, promoting research initiatives across the university.
What do you like to do in your free time: Whenever I have the time, I return to my roots as a studio artist. I enjoy oil painting, collage, sewing, and anything that allows me to be creative. I’ve been learning DSLR photography and often bring my camera while exploring new places in Maine. I also enjoy thrifting, going to concerts, cooking new recipes, riding my bike, spending time with family, and getting outside for nature walks or weekend adventures.
Pronouns: she, her
Email: all emails are first initial last name at mmsa.org
