As an instructor, my primary focus is to create a comfortable and active environment for my students to engage in and learn. I do my best to employ teaching strategies that will engage students in best learning and study practices. My goal is to help students understand that even if psychology is not their primary academic or career interest, it is a field that can can positively impact many aspects of their life.
I received my Bachelors in Exercise Science, Masters in Exercise Physiology, and I am currently earning my Doctorate in Teaching and Learning with an emphasis in Science Education from Illinois State University. I primarily identify as a Pediatric Exercise Physiologist and study physical activity and fitness during childhood and adolescence. I currently live in Mahomet with my wife Valerie, I am the father of three boys, Asher, Reagan and Charlie. I was initially interested in exercise science due to my involvement in sports such as wrestling and Judo.
Miriam L. Wallace is Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Illinois-Springfield, and Professor of English. She is a graduate of Swarthmore College (BA) and the University of California, Santa Cruz (MA/PhD) in Literature. As a proud liberal arts graduate, she advocates for the value and impact of academic study, art making and performance, public presentations, and study abroad—noting their impact on self-confidence, intellectual curiosity, and personal and professional growth.
Hypatia Bolívar is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology. She received her PhD in Psychology with a concentration in Behavior Analysis from the University of Florida. Her research interests include experimental analyses of human behavior, contingency management interventions for substance use, and the scholarship of teaching and learning. Dr. Bolívar also enjoys mentoring students on research and getting into graduate school.
Dr. Jennifer Martin is an associate professor in the School of Education at the University of Illinois at Springfield. Prior to working in higher education, Dr. Martin worked in public education for 17 years, 15 of those as the department chair of English at an urban alternative high school for students labeled at-risk for school failure in metropolitan Detroit.
Master of Science in Mathematics- University of Oklahoma https://www.ou.edu/
Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics with a minor in Statistics - Cameron University https://www.cameron.edu/
2024-25 University of Illinois President's Executive Leadership Program
2023-24 Illinois Academy for Leadership and Development
2020-2023 Center for Faculty Excellence Faculty Associate
2019 UIS Pearson Faculty Award for Outstanding Teaching
2018 UIS Burks Oakley II Distinguished Online Teaching Award
2017 College of Liberal Arts and Science Excellence in Teaching Award