Jenn Gallup

I am a Ph.D. Scholar in Exceptional Student Education at the University of Central Florida (UCF). I am a Toni Jennings Fellow and a Project LEAD Scholar in the Exceptional Education track. I received my undergraduate degree in Human Development from Washington State University and I completed my Master’s program at the University of Central Florida. I have worked with students with varying exceptionalities in grades K-12 in a variety of settings.

I have presented at local, state, national, and international conferences. I am a member of the Central Florida STEM committee, Brevard County STEM initiative, and Women in Defense (WID).

I am currently in my second year of the doctoral program. My research interest include transitions to post high school. Primarily my research includes working with students who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) gaming technology, and virtual learning environments to support greater access to advanced classes in science, technology, engineering, and mathamatics (STEM) and STEM-related careers. My research utilizes game based learning and virtual learning environtmens to teach essential social skills to students with ASD. I focus on teacher preparation and the inclusion of effective and innovative technologies into current teaching practices. I am interested in the use handheld devices used as teaching tools that can access virtual learning environments to enhance learning. I believe teachers should have a firm understanding of how to identify and implement the most current and accessible technology resources into daily lessons to maximize student outcomes.

My current goal is to acquire a tenure-track faculty position in an exceptional student education program that will challenge and support my growth as a researcher, grant writer, and educator.

In addition to these areas of interest, I plan to continue developing my understanding and experience with advanced statistical analysis, such as: (a) Multivariate Analysis, (b) Factor Analysis, (c) Hierarchical Linear Modeling (d) Structural Equation Modeling, and (e) Multivariat Statistics

When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family hiking, rock-climbing, and skiing when I lived in the Pacific North West area. Now that we live in Florida, I enjoy time with my family learning to sail, SCUBA, and taking walks on the beach