Faculty Profile for Dr. Erika Nielson Vargas

Biography Section

Biography and Education

Erika K. Nielson, Ph.D., is a faculty member in the Bachelor of General Studies. She received a B.A. in Anthropology from Texas A&M University, an M.A. in Reading Education from The University of Texas of the Permian Basin, and a Ph.D. in Developmental Education, Literacy Specialization from Texas State University. Dr. Nielson is also a yoga student of 27 years and a yoga teacher of 23 years. Her research foci includes career preparation, educators and students in pre-kindergarten through higher education engaging in mindfulness, self-compassion, and yoga practices, and their understanding and observations of those practices, as well as the literacy practices of adult learners.

Teaching Interests

Career Preparation, Interdisciplinary Projects, Reading, Writing, Integrated Reading & Writing, Literacy, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Study Skills, University Seminar, First Year Experience, Career Planning, Research skills

Research Interests

University Seminar courses, First Year Experience courses, Career Preparation, Literacy, Mindfulness practices, Mental Health, Music & Literacy, Reading practices