Sacramento Edtech Firm Is Passionate About STEM Education

Jennifer Harrison owns her own thriving educational technology public relations firm, JHarrisonPR.com. Born and raised in Sacramento, CA, Harrison was part of the last graduating class of La Sierra High School.

But what may have given Harrison a true edge, was her scientific background, or what is now being referred to in the field as STEM. STEM is an acronym for the following fields of study: science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The term STEM, is typically used in addressing education policy and curriculum choices in schools from kindergarten through college to improve competitiveness in technology development.

Harrison earned a Bachelor of Science, in animal science, at the University of California at Davis in 1988, a rigorous program including the study of genetics and reproductive physiology.

Realizing that her investment in higher education was already of value, Harrison returned to California State University at Sacramento to complete a Master of Arts degree in communication studies, in 1997.

"My master's degree focuses on management and public relations issues. PR consultants need to be experts in theory and practice. With today's constantly changing media landscape, continuing education is also critical. I also hold advanced certification from the Public Relations Society of America."

Asked what has been her most remarkable transformation of a product or service that she was able to boost onto the market, Harrison lights up, "Schoology is my largest client right now with the best education technology story. It has big sales wins and funding news, media successes and terrific visibility."

Harrison gives this advice for others looking to enter the field of educational technology? "Give yourself one hour each day to explore new technology and to network, but stay focused on your core competencies. Technology changes so quickly and there are so many fabulous innovations that you have to force yourself to do this, even if it isn't billable time. Learn to quickly recognize technology that is addressing a real need and don't get enamored with something because it's sexy."

Karen Hansen M.S. Earth Sciences, has been an educator and consultant who is currently an analyst regarding land and other public information records. She lives and works in Sacramento, CA. She has been writing about earth and the environmental sciences for Examiner.com since May of 2010. Find her work in several sections of the publication. You can find her work at SF Solar Energy Examiner, SF Environmental News Examiner and Environmental News Examiner