TEACHING

How can psychological science come alive in the classroom—and beyond?

I believe students learn best when they are actively engaged, supported in their growth, and encouraged to apply psychological concepts to real-world issues. My teaching centers student voices, critical thinking, and inclusive classroom practices—especially when exploring topics like adolescent development, identity, and mental health.

Teaching Experience

Instructor of Record

Adolescence, Spring 2024
University of Pittsburgh, Department of Psychology

Adolescence, Fall 2023
University of Pittsburgh, Department of Psychology

Adolescence, Winter 2022
University of Delaware, Department of Psychology

GRE Test Preparation, 2018 - 2019
Kaplan Test Preparation

Guest Lecturer

Adolescence, Spring 2023
University of Pittsburgh, Department of Psychology

Graduate Seminar: Introduction to Eating Disorders, Winter 2021
Hofstra University, Department of Psychology

Introduction to Abnormal Psychology, Summer 2018
Drexel University, Department of Psychology

Teaching Assistant

Psychology of Eating Disorders & Obesity, Winter 2018
Drexel University, Department of Psychology

Introduction to Abnormal Psychology, Spring 2016
Western Washington University, Department of Psychology

Introduction to Social Psychology, Fall 2015
Western Washington University, Department of Psychology

Introduction to Psychology, Spring 2015
Western Washington University, Department of Psychology

Teaching Evaluations

  • "Savannah is AMAZING, one of the best instructors I've ever had. She is engaging, fun, knowledgeable, and understanding. She finds ways to interact with and relate to all of us, and I have always known I can ask her about anything. She gives great career advice, and is truly just an amazing person."

  • "Savannah was a great instructor! She really helps create an open class environment that encourages participation."

  • "Savannah creates an environment where everyone feels comfortable to share their opinions and feelings. I really enjoyed that she asked us what we thought about certain assignments and grading procedures, something most instructors don't do. It made me feel like she truly cared for us as students."

  • "I loved everything about this course. The amount of work we had was fair and it was all graded fairly. Savannah has a really engaging teaching style and she is always prepared for class. She is extremely approachable and easy to get in touch with in person and through email. I felt like I always knew what was expected of me in this class. She has a talent for teaching!"

  • "The class was very engaging. I may be biased because this is my area of interest, but I was so drawn into every lecture. Your passion for your work is clear, and I think it inspires a great learning environment."

  • "I loved the interactive lectures; the material was super interesting and presented in a way that kept me engaged. I loved the little activities in class, and I liked that the research studies were explained in class after receiving feedback. I additionally loved the multitude of creative projects for fun ways to learn class material."

  • "I really enjoyed this class and it really helped sparked my interest in adolescence. I can tell that Savannah is very passionate about the work she does!"

  • "I liked how the instructor mixed lecture, class activities, and assignments to best keep us engaged. I always felt like it was a class that I enjoyed that I could participate in."

  • "My experience was great. Savannah is a wonderful instructor who knows how to keep students engaged, treat students with respect, and teach things in a way that is very digestible. I always looked forward to coming to her class and I feel like I learned a lot. This was probably one of my favorite classes at Pitt."

  • "I thought that Savannah's ability to keep students engaged was most effective. For example, in her lecture she included clips, pictures, graphs, and class activities as well as class discussions. Because she utilized a mix of tools, I always felt like my attention was sustained. I learned so much, but she wasn't just talking at me, it was a collaborative learning experience, and for that I am so thankful."