Professor Packard is an expert on mentoring and persistence. She studies the experiences of first-generation college students, women, and minorities, with an emphasis on how students and organizations can maximize access to mentoring and how diverse pathways are negotiated in
science and technology fields (STEM) or higher education at large. The STEM community college transfer pathway is a focus of study for her team right now. As a first-generation college graduate herself, she strives to identify success strategies that support motivation and turn aspirations
into realities.
Her work is supported by the National Science Foundation
through the CAREER
and Gender In Science & Engineering (GSE)
programs (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. In addition, she has received recognition for community service.
She teaches courses in educational and developmental psychology, seminars on motivation, research labs, and statistics. Her classes integrate community-based partnerships, typically with students gaining experience in peer mentoring or collaborative research.
She serves as a consultant for schools, community organizations, colleges and
businesses. For example, she designs mentoring programs and speaks to various groups about mentoring and advising first-generation college students, students of color, or transfer students. Packard is a proud mother of two who loves mystery books and dancing.
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