Professor of the Year 2006 - Valerie Sims, Ph.D
Dr. Valerie Sims was recently awarded the Professor of the Year award from the UCF HFES student chapter. Each year,
the chapter nominates and votes for the professor deemed to provide exceptional teaching and assistance to students.
This year, we're proud to say Dr. Sims has received the award. Nominations and voting this year occured electronically
for the first time via the
UCF HFES Forums. Here's what one
student had to say about Dr. Sims when nominating her:
“She's been a tremendous help to me in my personal projects, and she's a great teacher. She cares about her students and helping each of them not only academically, but personally as well.”
The chapter congratulates Dr. Sims and wishes her continued success in the future!
About Dr. Sims
Dr. Valerie Sims is an associate professor in the Psychology Department. Her lab, the Applied Cognition and Technology (ACAT) group studies human experiences of non-humans, including computers and animals. Dr. Sims obtained her B.A. in psychology with a concentration in cognitive studies from Carleton College in Northfield, MN. She holds an M.A. and Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology, as well as an interdisciplinary emphasis in human development from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Prior to coming to UCF, Dr. Sims worked for three years as an assistant professor at Cedar Crest College in Allentown, PA. Her primary research interests are in the areas of human-computer interaction, human-animal interaction, and individual differences in spatial ability. Some of her research has centered on the cognitive abilities of video game experts. Her teaching interests include Cognitive Psychology, Sensation and Perception, Developmental Psychology, and Research Methods. In her spare time, Dr. Sims likes to swim and play video games, and she loves to go to the beach.