Research Interests

Dr. Alford's current research interests include written and oral communications in the engineering disciplines, and the functions of communications in research and research project management.  She is co-PI of the Research Communications Studio Project, "Enhanced Learning for Undergraduate Engineers:  A Research Communications Studio Model," funded by the National Science Foundation.

Teaching

In spring 2002, Dr. Alford provided the communications instruction in SCCC 370A, Research Methods, taught by Dr. Michael A. Matthews, Department of Chemical Engineering.  This Honors College Proseminar course dealt with identifying research problems, developing the research plan, acquiring and analyzing information, practicing critical thinking, and communicating the results of one’s research.   She currently teaches professional written and oral communications units in several engineering courses, including EMCH 371 “Engineering Materials,” EMCH 467 “Senior Mechanical Engineering Lab,” and ELCT 101 “Electrical and Electronic Engineering.”