Dr Polydore is an associate professor in the Department of Counseling and Student Development at Eastern Illinois University where she teaches courses in educational psychology, human development for counselors, research methods, and appraisal, and advises student theses. She received an M.S.and PhD from Texas Tech University and a B.S. chemical technology from Midwestern State University. Before enrolling in graduate school, Dr Polydore worked in the Chemistry Department at Texas Tech University as a research aide. Her unique background in the sciences positions her to tap into her wide knowledge when teaching her students. Dr Polydore’s general passion for life, learning and the human  condition resulted in a complex research agenda which include multicultural education, minority issues, teacher education, effective teaching strategies for college students, and teaching in STEM. Dr Polydore uses her enthusiasm and passion to inspire her students, and her commitment to her students including additional instruction on weekends, have helped her to be recognized by Eastern Illinois University for her teaching, and was the recipient of two excellence in teaching awards (2014-2015, and 2012-2013), and an Outstanding Minority Faculty award. Dr Polydore is very active on campus, serving as a mentor in the TRiO Program, and holding executive positions in several committees within her department, college and at the university. To keep abreast of emerging research in education and psychology, she serves as a reviewer for multiple international and regional journals. Dr Polydore greatest accomplishments are her two beautiful kids. Finally, Dr Polydore is a proud national of the Nature Isle of the Caribbean, Dominica.