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Elyssa E

- Research Program Mentor

Industry expert at George Fox University

Expertise

Musical Composition, Musical and Literary Analysis, Music Theory, Creative Fiction and Non-fiction.

Bio

As an experienced educator, freelance writer, and musician, I believe that my role as a mentor is centered on your goals as a budding researcher. Throughout our time together, I will give you the tools you need to drive your own success, while creating a safe space for questions and exploration. I am currently researching the implications of displacement on creativity while teaching at an ILE Junior College in New Zealand. My work focuses on the intersections between community and personal identity, enticing me to study the cultural identities of displaced peoples through the lens of storytelling and creativity. As an avid listener, musician, poet, world-traveler, and photographer, I am brimming with observations and explorations about the ways that we weave stories and would be eager to help you weave a story of your own.

Project ideas

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

"Interwoven" Creative Work

Are you someone who sees the archetypes in artistic expression and recognises the interdisciplinary bonds between art forms? Work with me to examine the structures that define great music, literature, and poetry, then weave them together into your own creative project as a reflective synthesis.

On the Neuroscience of Music

Analyze the connections between music therapy, neuroscience, and palliative care. We will employ both qualitative and quantitive research strategies to drive your final thesis and/or presentation.

Socioeconomic Status and Academic Success in Rural America

What are the implications of socioeconomic status upon the academic success of rural Americans? Dig into recent debates, surveys, and studies, to develop a thorough argumentative response to the political controversy of education in rural America.

Languages I know

English (mother tongue), French (Beginner), Turkish (Beginner)

Teaching experience

I have been a multidisciplinary educator since 2016, when I began to teach music theory and piano to private students. Currently I am employed at a Junior College in New Zealand where my approach as an educator is student-centered, inquiry-based, and project-based, enabling my students to become self-motivated learners with strong critical thinking skills. By developing an acute sense of curiosity, I hope to impart the spirit of lifelong learning within all of my mentorship sessions. In recent years, I taught English as a Foreign Language to students from over 30 countries, building the confidence and capability of many PhD and MPhil candidates for their University studies throughout the world. In addition, I have trained musicians in both ensemble and 1-1 lessons, seeing many of my students move forward to become performers or continue their musical studies in tertiary education. Though my original teaching license is from Oregon, USA, I have also taught in Turkey, the UK, and now New Zealand.

Credentials

Work experience

Ormiston Junior College (2024 - Current)
Music and Drama Teacher
Anderson Music Studios (2019 - 2021)
Music Teacher
George Fox University (2017 - 2020)
Music Theory Assistant
Cambly (2022 - 2024)
English Teacher

Education

George Fox University
BA Bachelor of Arts (2024)
Music, Education, English, and Literature

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