Faculty Profile for Dr. Erika Nielson Vargas
Dr. Erika Nielson Vargas
Assoc Professor of Instruction — Conslng, Ldrship, Adlt Educ & Schl Psych
ENC 357
phone: (512) 408-1138
Biography Section
Biography and Education
Erika K. Nielson, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Instruction in the Integrated Studies Program. 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 Post-secondary Student Success in Literacy from Texas State University. Dr. Nielson is also a yoga student of 28 years and a yoga teacher of 24 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 skillsResearch Interests
Career Preparation, Adult Education, University Seminar, First Year Experience, Career Preparation, Literacy, Mindfulness practices, Mental Health, Music & Literacy, Reading practicesSelected Scholarly/Creative Work
- Marquiss, T., & Nielson Vargas, E. K. (Eds.). (2018). Common Reading Faculty Guide 2018-19: The Runaway Species by David Eagleman and Anthony Brandt. San Marcos, TX: Common Experience.
- Coordinator, Soloist, Yakona.
2016.
Performances:
- Yakona with Live Score. 2016 Texas State University Alkek Theater, San Marcos, TX.
Selected Awards
- Award / Honor Recipient: Texas State Quarterly Team Award, Texas State University. August 2018 - December 2018
- Award / Honor Recipient: Excellence in Service, Texas State University - University College. 2023
- Award / Honor Recipient: Best Academic Support Program, College Academic Support Programs. 2022
- Award / Honor Recipient: Teaching in Excellence, Texas State Alumni Association. 2020
- Award / Honor Recipient: 3MT Runner Up, 3MT. 2017
Selected Service Activities
Member
Common Reading Instructor's Materials Committee
2014-2023
Member
Common Experience Mini-Grants Committee
August 2017-February 2023
Chair
Common Reading Selection Committee
May 2018-May 2022
Member
Common Reading Selection Committee
2015-2018
President Elect
Alliance
2023-Present