BIOGRAPHY

Mrs. Christian studied at Yale University where she earned her Master’s degree in International and Development Economics in 2013. She began college at St. Petersburg College through the Early College Program where she was actively involved in student government, served as President of Phi Theta Kappa, and was awarded Student of the Year in 2009. Mrs. Christian transferred to The University of Tampa for her Bachelor’s degree which she obtained in both Business Economics and Mathematics in 2012 and was awarded Outstanding Student in Economics.

Mrs. Christian has six years of real-world experience in economics and policy-making in Washington; D.C. and she has taught economics for over a decade. Most recently, she worked for The White House within the Office of Management and Budget where she was awarded a Presidential Management Fellowship and served as a Program Examiner during both the Obama and Trump administrations. Previously, she was an Analyst at the U.S. Export-Import Bank, which followed her role as a Consultant at The World Bank.

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT

I strive to create a learning environment where all my students feel safe and comfortable to learn, participate, and ask any questions no matter their learning style or academic and personal background. I do this by regularly encouraging students to ask questions. In addition, I focus on having organized course material, setting clear expectations and communicating effectively and concisely. I incorporate my professional experience in economics and policy-making in Washington, D.C. to bring the economic concepts and theories to life. My teaching philosophy is informed by teaching students for over a decade from diverse backgrounds. As I teach, I keep in mind that I must be flexible and understanding to the needs of the students while not compromising on providing a challenging and high-quality education. When there are areas of difficulty for a student, I remain positive, patient and creative as I seek other ways to assist the student in understanding the material.

EDUCATION

Yale University -  MA, International and Development Economics,  2012 - 2013                                                        
The University of Tampa - BS, Economics and Mathematics,  2009 - 2012                   
St. Petersburg College - AA, General Education (Early College Program),  2007 - 2009  

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE AND PUBLIC SERVICE

• Board Member: The College Fund of Pinellas County, 2020 - 2021
• Youth Engagement Volunteer: The World Bank Group Youth Summit, 2014 – 2015             
• President - Adam Smith Economics Honor Society,  2011 – 2012
• President - Omicron Delta Kappa, National Leadership Honor Society,  2010 – 2011
• President - Phi Theta Kappa, St. Petersburg College,  2008 –  2009
• Student Ambassador - Honors Program, St. Petersburg College,  2008 - 2009

INVITED LECTURES AND PRESENTATIONS

• Guest Speaker: The College Fund of Pinellas County Annual Student and Donor Lunch, 2019
• Panelist: Yale University Balkan Forum, Opportunities for International Students in the U.S., 2017
• Panelist: Yale University Graduate School Alumni Association Career Conference, 2016
• Honors Research Fellow Presenter: Honors College Research Conference, The University of Tampa, 2011 and 2012
• Guest Speaker: Phi Theta Kappa Induction Ceremony, St. Petersburg College, 2011
• Guest Speaker: Speakers Corner, invited to speak on the topic “Tell Us How to Solve Poverty”, 2011
    

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Faculty Zoom Training: St. Petersburg College, 2020
• Teaching an Online Course: St. Petersburg College Certificate, 2018
• Accessibility Services Training for Faculty and Staff: St. Petersburg College Certificate, 2018
• Preventing Sex-Based Discrimination & Sexual Violence: Clery Act, VAWA & Title IX Training: St. Petersburg College, 2018
• Advanced Budget and Appropriations Process: The Government Affairs Institute, 2017
• Leadership Skills and Techniques: Management Concepts, 2017
• Writing that Works: The Murawski Group, 2016
• How to Negotiate the Nonnegotiable by Dr. Shapiro: The White House Office of Management and Budget, 2016
• Congressional Briefing for PMFs on Capitol Hill: The Government Affairs Institute, 2016
• Collaborative Team-building Workshop: Camp David Presidential Retreat, 2015
• Research and Evaluation Methods Workshop: The World Bank Group, 2014
• Modern Econometrics with Stata: The World Bank Group, 2013
• Economic Analysis of Investments: The World Bank Group, 2013

HONORS AND AWARDS

• U.S. Presidential Management Fellowship, 2015 – 2017
• Outstanding Student in Economics; University of Tampa, 2012
• Best of Show; CSSME Undergraduate Research Conference; University of Tampa, 2012
• Honor Society for Mathematics of Pi Mu Epsilon, Florida Iota Chapter, 2012
• Presidential Scholarship; University of Tampa, 2009 – 2012
• International Honor Society for Economics of Omicron Delta Epsilon, 2011
• Leadership Scholarship Award of Phi Theta Kappa, St. Petersburg College, 2009
• Student of the Year; St. Petersburg College, 2009
• Apollo Award Finalist; St. Petersburg College, 2009
• President’s Honor List; St. Petersburg College, 2007 – 2009
• International Honor Society of Phi Theta Kappa, 2007