Stacey Hardin earned her BA in mass communications and her master’s in special education from North Carolina Central University. She began working with persons with disabilities in 2004, and quickly became extremely interested in students with oppositional defiance disorder. After this experience her desire to help people increased dramatically. “I wanted and needed to work hands-on with students who did not have the voice to advocate for themselves.” For Hardin, the environment and atmosphere of the Exceptional Education track has made for a phenomenal educational experience. “As a student, I have been provided with outstanding support and mentorship that has helped me thus far. I am continuously being prepared personally and professionally. The tools, advice, and suggestions that I have been given by the faculty and my peers will last me a lifetime.”

During her time at UCF, Hardin has been involved in numerous research projects. These have included minority females’ perceptions of STEM and STEM careers and TLE TeachLivE™ - a simulated classroom designed to help pre-service and in-service teachers develop and/or hone in on their teaching skills. Hardin is the Director of University and School District Partnerships for TLE TeachLivE™, and she recently co-chaired the planning committee for the inaugural TLE TeachLivE™ conference. Her current research includes understanding characteristics of females with emotional and behavioral disabilities (EBD), and an analysis of the use of technology to increase school engagement for females with EBD.

Hardin will complete her doctorate in summer 2014. She then plans to teach and conduct research while preparing educators to effectively teach students with disabilities.