She is an experienced middle school classroom teacher with extensive research experience in developing, validating, and evaluating interdisciplinary curricula and teacher professional development. Dr. Richards authored the Hands On: Food Safety curriculum in 2006, and served as the program director until 2018. Dr. Richards still assists with the development of new curriculum, training new teachers, and speaking on behalf of the Hands On program. She holds a BS in Education from Miami University (Ohio) and a Ph.D. in Curriculum, Research, and Evaluation from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.