Teacher of the Year Nominee: Dr. Kristi Bracchitta
Sarah Sheridan
Issue date: 5/2/07 Section: Community
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Dr. Bracchitta came to the Mount in the fall of 2004 to be a full-time professor of psychology. Before coming to the College she was attending graduate school at Fordham University, working to obtain a doctorate in applied developmental psychology. She also spent some time working at Blythedale Children's Hospital, a rehabilitation hospital in Westchester County. She was already a familiar face on campus as she had worked as an adjunct professor in the psychology departments at both the Mount and Manhattan College.
Earning her doctorate is one of her greatest accomplishments. She is the first person in her family to attend college, let alone go so far.
"This has meant a lot to me," Dr. Bracchitta says.
Throughout her career she has researched in the general area of applied developmental psychology. With her research she has made a number of presentations, in which she worked with psychology majors. Recently, she had an article published in the area of child passenger safety and another scholarly article is under review in the area of disabilities.
Dr. Bracchitta did not always think she would end up as a college professor.
"I always envisioned myself doing more applied clinical work with children," she says.
However, in graduate school she was asked to teach a class and like love at first sight, Dr. Bracchitta knew she discovered something special. Soon after this she began her adjunct position at the Mount. Upon receiving her doctorate she was excited to apply for the full-time position, a profession that she had developed a passion for.
Besides teaching classes, she has also become the advisor to the Psychology Club. The club works hard to plan activities and participate in events, such as Student Government's Wellness Week. They were able to make a valuable contribution to the week that added to its success.
Dr. Bracchitta also has a clear vision for her future at the Mount. She hopes to develop new courses.
"I have always been very interested in the relationship between the field of biology and the field of psychology," she says.
With that she looks forward to working with a colleague in the biology department to design an interdisciplinary course.
"I think our students will really benefit from and enjoy a course that bridges these two fields," she explains.
It is evident Dr. Bracchitta is truly dedicated and committed to her students. Junior psychology major Jon O'Leary says, "She is really good. She is compatible with a lot of the students. "
When she is not in the classroom, she loves to travel with her husband. However, soon her free time will be dedicated to her baby, who is due this summer.
There is no question that Mount students are lucky to have Dr. Bracchitta so devoted to inspiring her students with knowledge. And she considers herself lucky to have such a great group of students to teach.
"I don't think I would teach just anywhere though," she says, "I love the fact that at the Mount the focus is on the students and providing them with the best education possible. The students always come first."
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