Service

Upon starting my Ph.D. program, I had little experience in professional organizations or services related to Information Science and Learning Technologies. My previous role as an Instruction and Curriculum Manager for a K-12 online learning company provided me with few opportunities to establish professional connections or contribute to academic discourse. Upon accepting a position as the Learning Technology Specialist at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), a pivotal transition occurred. This position provided me with opportunities for deeper professional engagement and development in conjunction with my doctoral studies. In the course of my Ph.D. journey, professionalism has come to mean cultivating meaningful relationships that encourage learning, collaboration, and foster the advancement of our fields of study. Throughout my involvement in initiatives such as the Penny University student organization, the Graduate Professional Council at the University of Missouri, and various AI-focused committees at UTC, I have developed a wide range of relationships with scholars and practitioners from many different backgrounds. These experiences have provided me with a deeper understanding of the field while reinforcing my belief in the value of collective insight and action. Additionally, these roles have enhanced my confidence as a professional. I am now recognized as a knowledgeable voice on artificial intelligence, learning technologies, and accessibility. At UTC, my colleagues frequently seek my advice on instructional strategies and emerging technologies. It is my intention to speak from both a position of expertise as well as humility, fully acknowledging that authority in this field comes not only from knowledge, but from one's willingness to learn and collaborate. Serving as a peer reviewer for journals and academic conferences has also enhanced my professional development. Having served as a reviewer for "Entertainment Computing" as well as for the Association for Educational Communications and Technology's (AECT) annual international conference, I have gained a valuable understanding of the standards of quality and rigor expected in scholarly publications. This responsibility has sharpened my critical thinking and broadened my understanding of the diverse research approaches and topics shaping our field today. Furthermore, it has reinforced my commitment to assisting other scholars in developing their scholarship by providing thoughtful, constructive feedback. In addition, I have gained a greater understanding of how institutional cultures influence interactions and decision making. The approach I take to every environment, whether it is a committee meeting, a departmental meeting, or a professional network, is that of openness and attentiveness, especially when we are discussing sensitive or evolving topics such as artificial intelligence. I have learned through my experience in cross-functional settings that meaningful dialogue is more important and more productive than asserting one's own position. By adopting this mindset, I have been able to work effectively with colleagues whose backgrounds, values, or priorities are different from my own.