BIOGRAPHY

Mathematics, Music, and Mormons

I was raised on a cattle farm in Ferron, Utah, a beautiful Mormon community nestled between scenic mountains and breathtaking desert rock formations. After graduating from Emery High School, I spent two years in Chicago proselytizing for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, learning Spanish in the process.

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I earned a B.S. and M.A. in mathematics education from Brigham Young University and taught mathematics for one year at Riverton High School. I spent the first two years of my doctoral program in mathematics education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and I am currently completing my degree with the University of Georgia. I study the influence of educational psychology on American mathematics curriculum reform, focusing on Edward Thorndike.

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I began studying piano at 8. I began exploring musical composition during high school. To date, I've written one sonata, a suite of waltzes, a number of character pieces, and a few new age piano solos. I also play guitar and have written a few casual songs.

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I began working with IXL Learning in September, 2020 as a mathematics curriculum designer and moved to Raleigh, NC.

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I like spending time with my two boys (Logan and Kevin) and reading nonfiction. I blog about my perspectives on education, music, politics, and religion.

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(photo taken October 2021)