Shawna Dory

Leonhard Center Research Assistant

My journey to the Leonhard Center:

I started working in the Leonhard Center in the Fall of 2022. My journey began at Geneva College studying Sociology, then led to Clemson University for a master’s degree in Counselor Education- Student Affairs, and now has led me to Penn State for a doctorate in Education Policy Studies- Higher Education. My experiences have led me to be very interested in college student learning and development. I am especially interested in inequalities in higher education, including gender inequity in STEM majors. In my past life I have worked for AmeriCorps and Habitat for Humanity affiliates in the U.S., and am also interested in housing insecurity and its effects on educational outcomes for students.

Shawna is passionate about:

Inclusive access to an equity in higher education
Engineering education
Gender equity in STEM majors
Undergraduate student development
Community engagement

What to contact Shawna for:

Email Shawna if you want to learn more about being a graduate student in the Leonhard Center!

About

The Leonhard Center for Enhancement of Engineering Education was established in 1990 by an endowment from William and Wyllis Leonhard. Its mission is to catalyze the changes that are crucial to maintaining world-class engineering education at Penn State. In 2006 the Leonhard Center became the home for two other major programs that support teaching and learning in the College - the Office of Assessment & Instructional Support and Programs for Engineering Writing & Speaking.