Texas Tech University

HDFS Community Instructors Spotlight

The success of the HDFS Department could not be possible without the dedicated and passionate work of our HDFS Community Instructors. We are fortunate and privileged to have HDFS alumni serving as community instructors as well as in different roles in the department. Here is more information about them.

Holly Wright, Ph.D., Instructor, GPIDEA Early Childhood Director

Why did you decide to come to Texas Tech University Human Development and Family Sciences?

Coming from a psychology background, HDFS was appealing to me in that I could look at human development from multiple perspectives. TTU HDFS also offered many opportunities that other programs did not (i.e., the TTU Child Development and Research Center, teaching/research opportunities) and provided plenty of support to their graduate students. Growing up in West Texas as a Red Raider fan didn't make it hard to make that decision either!holly wright

Tell us about your trajectory as an HDFS student at TTU.

I started at TTU HDFS in 2012 where I began as a post-bac graduate student. I had many opportunities for research and teaching over my six years in the program. It was in 2015 when I first started teaching at the undergraduate level and one that would eventually lead me to find my passion in the classroom. I completed my Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Sciences in May 2018 and began teaching in the Fall of that year. I have since been a full-time instructor teaching for the department and creating courses that engage students in their learning about human development.

Describe some highlights and opportunities you have experienced as a Human Development and Family Sciences instructor.

Once I became a full-time instructor I really had the opportunity to grow as an educator in the classroom. I have had many opportunities to attend teaching conferences and trainings to discuss student learning and best practices. Every time I have an opportunity to be in the classroom with students is a highlight for me. I am so lucky to get to do something that I love. Each semester is an opportunity to grow and learn with my students. Although I am at the front of the classroom, I know that if students are not at the forefront of what I am doing, then I am not doing it right. Although I have been nominated for different awards, the highlight for me has really been those everyday moments of student appreciation. Students who write me emails or thank you notes showing gratitude for what I do will always be the highlight of this job because they are why I love what I do.

What advice do you have for current students who want to make the most out of their experience at TTU HDFS?

Be curious. The foundation of learning starts with curiosity. We can't grow as individuals if we aren't open to those things that are outside of ourselves. This field has something to offer every single human being if they want it, and in no other field of study can every person relate like they can in this one. Take advantage of that and be curious about yourself and the world around you.

 

Shera C. Thomas-Jackson, Ph.D., IBCLCInstructor / Director of Practicum Experiences

Why did you decide to come to Texas Tech University Human Development and Family Sciences?

For me, HDFS allowed for broader study than psychology. While I was very interested in studying new mothers and looking at depression, anxiety, and self-efficacy, I was also very interested in contextual influences such as culture, relationships, and the influence depression had on the developing child. Once I found HDFS, I realized it was a much better fit that allowed me the opportunity to explore everything I was interested in. In addition, HDFS is where Dr. Sybil Hart was located, and her research was the perfect fit for me. I did not have to try to stretch what I wanted to do to match with a professor as I would have in the psychology department.Shera Jackson

Tell us about your trajectory as an HDFS student at TTU.

I worked with Dr. Hart throughout my entire graduate studies. After my master's, I did apply at other universities but in the end, continuing the research I was doing with Dr. Hart fit me and was what I wanted to do. When I graduated, I had an active research study at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center that I did not want to give up. I had the opportunity to continue to work for TTU as an instructor in the HDFS department.

Describe some highlights and opportunities you have experienced as a Human Development and Family Sciences instructor.

What I like most about being an instructor for HDFS is being able to closely work with students. With HDFS I have been able to advise two student organizations, I am now the Director for Practicum Experiences allowing me to interact and mentor many more students, and have had the pleasure of sponsoring multiple undergraduate students to attend and present at state and national level conferences.

What advice do you have for current students who want to make the most out of their experience at TTU HDFS?

My advice to current students:

  • Publish and present. Work with your faculty advisors and publish first. Submit and present at conferences. Right now, with many being virtual, you can present at many conferences. Even if you don't present, if you can attend a conference in your primary area (NCFR for Family, SRCD for Child Development, etc.) do so.
  • Engage with the University, the department, and your fellow graduate students. Join the Graduate Student Association, be on committees, run for student office through the Student Government Association.
  • Be sure to give yourself time to relax and have fun. There are great opportunities that you can participate. Check out outdoor rec. Plan a hiking trip.

 

Dr. Page Lacey Heisser, Community Instructor Director-Gerontology Program; Marriage & Family Therapist

Why did you decide to come to Texas Tech University Human Development and Family Sciences?

In the spring of 2000, I knew I wanted to leave the career I had started and return to graduate school, but I was unsure exactly what I wanted to study since I was interested in so many different aspects of human behavior and family relationships. I did some searching online and became aware of Dr. Gwen Sorell, who was an HDFS professor and head of Women's Studies at that time. I had one meeting with her, and I knew that the HDFS department had what I was looking for. The faculty and courses offered led me to HDFS.Page Heisser

Tell us about your trajectory as an HDFS student at TTU.

I began classes in the fall of 2000 and graduated with my Master's in HDFS in the fall of 2002. I went on to receive my Ph.D. in Marriage & Family Therapy, but it's the HDFS foundation that made my career possible.

Describe some highlights and opportunities you have experienced as a Human Development and Family Sciences instructor.

The highlight for me is being able to teach subject matter that I'm passionate about and watch students have "a-ha moments" when they think critically and personally about the varied topics. I have particularly enjoyed getting to teach graduate students through GPIDEA.

What advice do you have for current students who want to make the most out of their experience at TTU HDFS?

The most important thing students can do to get the most out of their HDFS experience is to get to know the faculty and start building those relationships. I find that our faculty have such rich and varied experiences that can serve as resources for our students.