Heather Heckel
Assistant Professor
School of Prof & Extd Studies
Degrees
Bachelor of Arts in political science, women's studies, and education, Duke University; Master's and PhD in International Relations from Georgia State University
Book Currently Reading
Stones into Schools
Bio
Areas of Expertise: Environmental Conservation, Advocacy and Activism, Global and Environmental Education At American University, Heather has had the opportunity to teach the International Environment and Development program with the Washington Semester Program. This course enables exploration of current issues in-depth with the help of diverse experts, combined with travel to Ecuador (fall) and Ghana (spring). Together, the students and Professor Heckel have been able to support educational efforts in both Ecuador and Ghana, during these trips. Beyond the IED program, Heather has taught other classes at AU including: cross-cultural communication, sustainable development in Costa Rica, internship and professional development courses, a child rights class, and an introductory course on China. Her research focuses on international child rights, especially the challenges of child soldiers, international education, unaccompanied children, and trafficking. She holds a PhD in international relations from Georgia State University and an undergraduate degree in political science, women's studies, and education from Duke University. Prior to attending graduate school, she was an 'inner-city' middle school teacher and specialized in working with at-risk students with exceptionalities
