Professor Packard is an expert on mentoring and persistence, with a focus on the experiences of first-generation college students, women, racial-ethnic minorities, and nontraditional-aged students. She studies the transition from high school to college or work and diverse pathways in science and technology (STEM) fields including the community college transfer pathway. A first-generation college graduate, she strives to identify success strategies that turn aspirations
into realities.
Her work is generously supported by the National Science Foundation
(Research Crossroads Profile).
In 2005, she visited the White House where she received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers
(PECASE),
the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government upon early-career scientists and engineers.
Trained as an educational psychologist, Packard serves as a consultant for schools, community organizations, colleges and
businesses. She has designed mentoring programs, assessed the infrastructure for mentoring across colleges, and conducted workshops to improve the effectiveness of faculty advisors.
Packard is a proud mother of two who loves mystery books and dancing.
NEW!
National Academy of Sciences Summit on Community Colleges and STEM Fields
Conference Website and Commissioned Paper
Engage in Engineering Project- Resources to Improve Faculty-Student Interactions
Recent Talks:
WAMC Radio Clip Academic Minute about Community Colleges
Keynote Speaker, National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students, Pathways to STEM Student Success, Sept 2011 Conference
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