Service

An important aspect of professional engagement is providing service, both to professional institutions and the broader community.

I ultimately focus my work on the application of theory and basic research to productive practice and community improvement. For example, I recently consulted with program developers from the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, Washington on their middle school outreach efforts. I also shared findings from the Tween Study with an exhibit design team at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland, Oregon, who were looking to better engage their preteen audience. The senior exhibit developer wrote in an email, “Thanks again for taking the time to talk our team. Your input has really had a big impact on the project.” I have led training sessions for teacher‐librarians in Outcomes Based Evaluation to enhance their efforts to develop small scale collaborations with public libraries. In consulting with teachers and administrators in western Washington, I have drawn upon my experience as an educator and scholar to improve the architectural layout of media centers and computer labs, and multimedia‐enhanced curriculum. In this way, I extend my research efforts by bringing research practices and findings directly into services and programs to benefit young people.