During her undergraduate work, Rebecca's mentor—a biology professor—made it possible for her to participate in an internationally recognized research project teaching American Sign Language to chimpanzees. It is his riveting teaching style that she emulates: “I have attempted to model his rigor, engagement and dynamic in the classroom, though I've never received standing ovations as he did.”
Students appreciate and value her knowledge and enthusiasm. According to one student: “She sets up students to succeed, not by going easy on them, but by doing all that she can to help them succeed.”
She earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Southern Oregon University, a master's degree in experimental psychology from the University of Nevada and a doctorate in developmental psychobiology from the University of North Carolina. A member of the COCC faculty since 1995, she won the Faculty Achievement Award in 2004 for excellence in teaching.
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