Navigating the Peer Mentoring Relationship: A Handbook for Women and Other Underrepresented Populations in STEM

Amanda J. Rockinson-Szapkiw is an educator and scholar who holds an Ed.D. in Distance Education and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision. She has over ten years of experience in higher education. Currently, she serves as an Associate Professor and Doctoral Program Coordinator for a learning design and technology program at the University of Memphis (UofM). Her research has examined the development and investigation of systems (e.g., family, technological, institutional) to support the psychosocial, social, academic, and vocational success of learners, with much of her research focusing on promoting racial and gender equity in STEM and higher education. Dr. Rockinson-Szapkiw has authored and co-authored more than six dozen peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters; she has presented over 150 presentations nationally and internationally. Her development of a collaborative workspace to facilitate mentorship in the online environment was recognized by Microsoft via a case study and was awarded a Campus Technology innovator award. She has also secured, as PI or Co-PI, more than a million dollars in grant funding from the National Science Foundation focused on broadening women's participation in STEM.

Dr. Jillian L. Wendt has worked in the field of education as a K-12 science educator, curriculum specialist, and university professor at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels for over almost two decades. Currently, she serves as tenured Associate Professor of Science Education in the Division of Education, Health, and Social Work, College of Arts & Sciences at UDC.  She first studied at Virginia Commonwealth University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Biology. After discovering her passion as an educator, she earned a Master of Education in Teaching and Learning, Education Specialist in Teaching and Learning, and Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University. In addition to researching, leading grant projects, and teaching, Dr. Wendt serves an active role in the broader education community. Dr. Wendt’s areas of expertise and research interests include technology in education, distance and online learning, science education, STEM education, STEM mentoring, and teacher preparation.

Katie Wade-Jaimes, PhD, is Assistant Professor at the University of Memphis who teaches courses in STEM education.