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Education
Toggle EducationPh.D. in Media Ecology from New York University
M.A. in Performing Arts Management also from NYU
B.A. in Interpersonal and Public Communication from Purdue University
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Specialties
Toggle SpecialtiesContemplative Practice/Contemplative Studies, Ecospirituality, Listening, Seven Deadly
Sins
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Research and Teaching Interests
Toggle Research and Teaching InterestsContemplative Practice/Contemplative Studies
Ecospirituality
Compassion, Empathy, and Kindness
Listening
Seven Deadly Sins
Honors Readings
Integrated Core Senior Seminar
Seven Deadly Sins
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Courses Offered
Toggle Courses OfferedThe Contemplative Life
Seven Deadly Sins
Integrated Core Senior Seminar
Honors Readings
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Grants & Awards
Toggle Grants & Awards$250,000 in grants for Roots of Compassion and Kindness (ROCK) Initiative
Professor of the Year Award, FGCU, (1997-1998)
McTarnaghan Award for Excellence in Teaching, FGCU, (2002-2003; 2015-2016)
Faculty Award for Service Excellence, FGCU, (2001-2002)
Chair Excellence Award, FGCU, (2018-2019)
Rachel Carson Award for distinguished service to the field of environmental and sustainability
education, Center for Environmental & Sustainability Education, 2015
FGCU Founding Faculty Member, Maria is a GreenFaith Fellow, has trained with the Center
for the Contemplative Mind in Higher Education, oversees the Roots of Compassion and
Kindness Initiative, and is a Board Member of RESET SWFL. She is the mother of one
daughter, Alissa, who is a professional opera singer.