September 2, 2009
Hamrick balances research, teaching, outreach, promotes learning and growth for all
In addition to managing a rigorous research and teaching schedule, Flo Hamrick, associate professor in educational leadership and policy studies, plays an active role in the ISU ADVANCE Scholar Program, an initiative that aims to increase participation and advancement of women faculty in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. |
By
Laura Dillavou
Flo Hamrick’s research focuses on issues related to equity and access for the underrepresented – but her work goes beyond papers and presentations to university outreach, where she works with a team to advance professional opportunities for female faculty.
Hamrick, an associate professor in educational leadership and policy studies (ELPS), strives to keep a balance among research, teaching, and her work as one of the co-principal investigators of the Iowa State University ADVANCE program – a five-year project supported by the National Science Foundation that aims to increase participation and advancement of women faculty in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. She is responsible for the ISU ADVANCE Scholar Program, which provides networking, mentoring, and collaboration opportunities for women faculty of color in STEM fields.
“It’s been very rewarding to see the progress of the ADVANCE program [since it began in 2006],” Hamrick said. “In the ADVANCE Scholar Program specifically, we’ve been able to fund reciprocal visits between five eminent scholars [at various universities worldwide] and five ISU ADVANCE Scholars. This has resulted in research collaborations, increased networking, and opportunities for Iowa State faculty to gain career advice and perspectives from premier scholars in their area of interest.”
Hamrick’s ability to fulfill the land-grant mission of Iowa State has led to her popularity among students. Known for her high standards and engaging discussions, she said her time in the classroom has given her the opportunity to explore current issues at the heart of higher education.
Hamrick recently collaborated with ELPS doctoral candidate Corey Rumann in two publications on student veterans returning to higher education. She said timely topics such as student veterans, student access to colleges and universities, as well as ongoing discussions of professional ethics, have helped generate an eclectic collection of papers, presentations, books and book chapters, and lectures.
“Working at Iowa State has allowed me to learn many different things and connect with a diverse group of students and scholars,” Hamrick said. “The students have so many fresh ideas – from personal experience and networking with other peers – and I really enjoy learning from them, as well as helping them gain experience in research, academic writing, and publishing.”
As Hamrick delves into her 14th year at Iowa State, she said she looks forward to more student collaboration and the advancement of her major research efforts.
“The best part of working at Iowa State is being able to keep pace with my research, and also to have the opportunity to work with enthusiastic students on their [research] ideas,” Hamrick said. “The response I get from students regarding my teaching, as well as the validation I receive from faculty peers about my research, lets me know I’ve found a good fit.”
