Dr. Harkins teaches in both the graduate and undergraduate (Bachelor of Education) programs in the areas of curriculum studies, literacy education and learners with exceptionalities. Prior to coming to the Mount, she was a school board administrator with the Tri County Regional School Board in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia where she worked as the Student Services Coordinator and Professional Development Consultant. Her current research interests include environmental education and globalization, Aboriginal studies, teacher education, inclusive education and university-community collaborative research. She has conducted research across Canada, the United Stated of America, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and Kenya.