Meet the SCOTs

SCOT Bios:

Kristie Binks (SCOT Coordinator)

My name is Kristie Binks, and this is my second year in the SCOT Program.  I have loved working with different professors in many different fields and learning more about the teaching and learning process.  As a senior in the Honors Program and the Behavioral Science Program,  I have gleaned experience and learning from a variety of outstanding professors at UVU.  Through my own educational experiences, and through participation in the SCOT Program I have gained a deep appreciation for learning, and pedagogy.  I love learning,  and I love finding new and better ways to learn something.  I look forward to continuing to work with the fantastic faculty here at UVU.

Christine Diamond

Leanne LeCheminant

Hello UVU faculty! My name is Leanne LeCheminant, and I am from Gilbert, Arizona. I went to BYU for two years then transferred here to pursue Deaf Education. In addition to becoming an American Sign Language teacher, I also hope to be certified as an interpreter. This will be my second year working in the SCOT program, and I love it!  I have learned so much about the world of teachers as well as professor-student relationships and how to improve engaged teaching and learning in the classroom.  I am excited to implement these aspects in my own classroom when I become a teacher.  In addition to sign language, I enjoy running, racquetball, art, and writing. 

Jason Lewis

  My name is Jazon Lewis. I am a Utah transplant from Louisa, Virginia. I am majoring in Deaf Studies with an emphasis in education. I am also working on a minor in recreation. This is my second year as a SCOT and I love the program. One of the things that attracted me to UVU was that as a new university we are seeking to fill our new university role, and do so in the best way we can find. I love the opportunity to work with and get to know professors in nearly every area of study. The only part of the job that is better than meeting/getting to know is helping professors achieve their goals and improve my own teaching along the way. Outside of work I enjoy mountain biking, kick boxing, knitting and movies.

Sam McKenna

Janice Nielsen

Hi, my name is Janice Nielsen. I am coming back to school after a VERY long time as a non-traditional student. (That is a politically correct way of saying I’m old)!  I am excited about the SCOT program and look forward toward to working with you. I am currently a sophomore working toward my Behavioral Science degree. The best advice I ever received was to live every moment to the fullest because life is too short to waste.

Natalie Bankhead

Hi, my name is Natalie Bankhead, I’m a sophomore at UVU and am undecided on my Major. I am in the Honors Program and feel passionately about getting involved and making our education an engaged experience.  I’m excited to be a part of the SCOT program and work with professors and students to discover ways to implement engaged learning. My interests are hiking, skiing, photography, and music. This is a great opportunity and I look forward to working with the incredible faculty and staff of UVU!

Melissa Cossey

Hey UVU Faculty!  My name is Melissa Cossey.   I am currently a mathematics major at UVU and I am also in the Honors Program.  I love learning and have interests in subjects ranging from art to science. This is my first year in the SCOT program and I’m very excited to get to work with all of you!


Leslie Gerber

Hello UVU faculty!  My names is Leslie Sophia Gerber and I am currently a freshman in UVU’s Honors Program.  I am studying everything (aka I haven’t decided on a specific Major) and am completely thrilled at how wonderful the various programs at UVU are!  I am so excited to work one on one with the impeccable staff and be a part of UVU’s rapid growth and development!  I look forward to meeting with you and hope to be able to help you in whatever way I can.


Devin Weaver

Hi!  I am Devin Weaver.  I am from Sandy UT and just started going back to school after a 6 year break.  I am majoring in Math Education and plan to teach High School math.  Whenever I have spare time and money, I like to spend it canyoneering and hiking, mostly in southern Utah, and taking pictures of the places I see.  I am excited to be involved with the SCOT program because I am very interested in the teaching and learning process.


Alex Green
Hello, my name is Alex Green. I've worked as a SCOT at BYU and as a teacher in various settings prior to coming to UVU where I am proud to be truly "Green." I love learning and teaching, two halves of the same coin. I am passionate about improving my own learning and teaching methods. I feel we can all improve no matter how far we've come-- in anything. I'm studying nursing now after graduating in the Humanities, French and art. I love to make art, music (especially with others), read, and get outside. I've lived many places around the world, but I come from Provo, which is now home once again. Please consider me as a source of objectivity and insight when asking our services.


Jordan Hall
Hi Faculty! My name is Jordan Hall and I am a freshman here a UVU. I haven't officially declared my major, but I am leaning toward Political Science with a minor in International Affairs. I am also a student in the Honors program and am having a great time getting involved with all the great things UVU has to offer. I love participating in almost anything. Some of my favorite pastimes include: theatre, singing, dancing, ULTIMATE frisbee, softball, and I love movies. I can't wait to work with you!


Brian Thredgold
Greetings UVU faculty, My name is Brian Thredgold.  I am a Junior majoring in Honors English.  This will be my first year working with the SCOT program and I am excited and eager to work with the wonderful faculty here at UVU.  Working with professors from various disciplines will be an incredibly rewarding experience.  I look forward to learning far more from your pedagogy than what you will learn from what small insights I have gained over my few years here in Orem.

Jessica Burnham
My name is Jessica Burnham and I am from Yorba Linda, CA. I am a Junior in the Integrated Studies program, emphasizing in Peace and Justice studies and Sociology with a minor in English. I enjoy nature, reading, writing, learning new things, anything creative, and human relationships. As the Campus Editor for the UVU Review, I love being informed of what’s happening on campus and interacting with students and professors. Their interrelationship fascinates me and I am really looking forward to studying UVU classrooms and assisting professors in improving their classroom interaction. I hope to see you around campus!