Robin received her PhD from Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia in Public Administration and Urban Policy. Her focus is environmental policy and marine debris, and her goal is to attain an academic position that combines teaching, research and mentoring. For twenty-three years she has served as the Deputy Director of Education for the nonprofit Elizabeth River Project and created and led award-winning environmental education programs to inspire youth to make restoration of the Elizabeth River a reality and help create a resilient community. 

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TEACHING PHILOSOPHIES: 

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College Students:  To meet students where they are, including the latest research and teaching students to think critically. My ideal classroom is where I demonstrate my passion for learning and teaching, and it is infectious. Students with diverse backgrounds and experience feel safe and comfortable and are encouraged to think out of the box and share their ideas.

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Youth: All students must get outdoors. My programs include Joseph Cornell’s Stages of Flow Learning that awaken enthusiasm and Froebel’s innovation of children learning by exploring, getting dirty and being close to wildlife. I prioritize offering yearlong meaningful watershed environmental experiences (MWEEs) to create lifelong stewards and develop activities that include critical thinking to promote environmental literacy and foster youth innovators and problem solvers.

 

Artistic Statement:  My work reflects a love for Art Nouveau, organic lines of nature and works of art utilizing plaster and clay styles from the Renaissance. I am drawn to intricate works by artisans, a bold jewel color palette, reflective qualities of water and transparency of glass. I am from a family of storytellers and my art often reflects a message of nature and symbology.