Dr. Maria Keckler

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Maria Keckler

Ph.D.

Transdisciplinary Behavioral Researcher

Corporate & Academic Educator | Founder | Writer

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About

As a transdisciplinary behavioral researcher of immersive learning and empathy, I explore the intersection of story, neuroscience, psychology, education, communication, and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve student learning, patient outcomes, nurse wellness, human connection, and our collective ability to tackle global challenges.

With nearly 20 years of experience as a trusted advisor to executive leaders and teams, I have helped drive culture transformation, fostered creativity and innovation, and developed more effective communicators and leaders in sectors such as life sciences, energy, technology, healthcare, construction, higher education, and non-profit.

Research

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Leadership

Director, International Affairs Strategy & Communications

San Diego State University

Currently leading the implementation of the university's global strategy and binational (US-Mexico)/international collaborative initiatives.

Founder + President

Keckler & Co.

Keckler and Co supports the development of impactful and compassionate leaders, workspaces, and communities through research-based tools, education, and inspiration.

Board member

The David’s Harp Foundation

The David’s Harp Foundation’s mission is to inspire, educate, and empower system-affected and homeless youth to achieve academic success through music education, sound engineering and multimedia production.

Leadership Mentor

Chicano Federation

The Chicano Federation’s mission is to cultivate opportunities and advocate for families and individuals for a more equitable comunidad.

Teaching & Speaking

keynotes & Corporate leadership development

Topics: Leadership & Innovation, Communications, Cultural Competence, Research and Collaboration, Entrepreneurial Thinking

Representative Companies: Costco, Avangrid, Turner Construction, ITHAKA, ResMed, Genentech, BIOCOM, Workplace Success Group

University lecturing professor / Invited Presenter

Topics: Technical Writing, Argumentation & Persuasion, Technology & Pedagogy, Nursing Leadership, Immersive Learning, Story, Science, and Human Connection

Representative Institutions:

San Diego State University

OSHER Institute

Claremont Graduate University

San Diego Christian College

Southern California Seminary

Pacific Islands University

Allan Hancock College

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Education

Doctor of Philosophy (pHD) - Education Research

Claremont Graduate University & San Diego State University

DISSERTATION: Empathy Unfolding - A Complexity Neuroeducation Framework for Tracing

the Impact of Immersive Storytelling and Transformational Learning on Nursing Education

Master of arts (MA) & Bachelor of Arts (BA) - English

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

Certifications

Academic Applications of AI Micro-Credential

San Diego State University

PREPARING FACULTY of the future

Claremont Graduate University

Human Subjects research (HSR) & Information Privacy security (IPS)

CITI Program

Tesol: Teaching English to Speakers of Other languages

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

A Model for Empathy-Driven

Leadership & Communication

How Empathy Unfolds

by Maria Keckler, Ph.D.

Examining the emerging challenges we face at work and at home — and confronting how we can learn, operate, and impact the world through empathy, kindness, and compassion.

Current Writing Project

Community

Board Member

The David's Harp Foundation

The David's Harp Foundation aims to inspire, educate and empower system-affected and homeless youth to achieve personal and academic success through music education, sound engineering, and multimedia production. As a volunteer board member, mentor, and community ambassador for The David's Harp Foundation, I am committed to advancing the organization's mission.

Inquiries

Speaking

Training

Research Collaborations