Heather Michele Nester

Current Roles: Associate Professor, Educator of Multidisciplinary Career Education and Editor in Chief for the the Journal for the Study of Cooperative and Experiential Education (JSCEE).
Up to date information on Professor Nester’s publications, presentations, certifications, courses, and testimonials can be located on her professional website: https://heathernester.wordpress.com/

Bachelor of Arts: University of Cincinnati (Psychology)

Bachelor of Arts: University of Cincinnati (Communication)

Master of Arts: University of Cincinnati (Human Resources)

Master of Education: University of Cincinnati (Instructional Design and Technology)

Peer Reviewed Publications

Nester, H., Buford, M. (2020. ) Undecided or Declared: Engaging Distinct Student Populations in Career Education.National Association of Colleges and Employers Journal, , More Information

Nester, H. (2022. ) Career Education & Biological Sciences: Mapping Student Futures in the Classroom.Experience Magazine, , More Information

Buford, M., Nester, H. (2019. ) The Plight of the Undecided Student.National Association of Colleges and Employers Journal, , More Information

Nester, H. (2023. ) Creating Equal Opportunities for Educational Excellence: Providing Support for Students Facing Financial Insecurities.National Association of Colleges and Employers, , 28-33 More Information

Nester, H., Buford, M. (2018. ) Multipotentiality: Finding a Career Path that Reflects Who You Truly Are.Experience Magazine and Cooperative Education & Internship Association , , (Spring 2018 ) , More Information

Nester, H. (2023. ) Majors are Secondary: How Do You Want to Change the World?.National Career Development Association, , More Information

Nester, H., Moya, N., Gosztyla, M. (2020. ) It is Not Just for Job Hunting: Negotiate Your Graduate School Package.Experience Magazine and Cooperative Education & Internship Association , , (Spring 2020 ) , More Information

Nester, H. (2024. ) How First-Generation College Students Can Use AI to Level the Job-Search Playing Field.National Association of Colleges and Employers, , 26-29 More Information

Buford, M. & Nester, H. (2020. ) A Problem Solving Approach to Career Exploration: Using the Lens of Challenge.National Association of Colleges and Employers, , More Information

Nester, H. (2022. ) Career Education & Biological Sciences: Mapping Student Futures in the Classroom.Experience Magazine, , More Information

Nester, H. (2023. ) Creating Equal Opportunities for Educational Excellence: Providing Support for Students Facing Financial Insecurities.National Association of Colleges and Employers, , More Information

Nester, H. (2023. ) Majors are Secondary: How Do You Want to Change the World?.National Career Development Association, , More Information

Book Chapter

Nester, H. (2022 ) Infusing Career into the Curriculum and the Problem of Indecision Mapping the Future of Undergraduate Education: Equitable Career Learning, Development, and Preparation in the New World of Work .(pp. 200 - 216).Routledge Publications (Author)

Invited Presentations

Nester, H. (2019. ) A Deep Dive into the Profile of Declared and Exploratory Arts & Sciences Students: Strengths and Strategies for Career Flexibility and Exploration .University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio. UC. . Level:University

Nester, H., Sharp, M., Buford, M. (2019. ) Experience Magazine: Practice & Theory: Blurring Boundaries .University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio. Level:International

Nester, H., Buford, M., Sharp, M., Harper, P. (2019. ) Experience Magazine: Connecting Practice and Theory for the Common Good .Northern Kentucky University, Kentucky. Other Institution. . Level:Regional

Nester, H. & Alanson, E. (2020. ) (In Press. ) Virtual Engagement Tools as a Means to Motivate, Interact, and Assess Students .Excellence Online at UC Teaching Showcase, University of Cincinnati. Conference. . Level:Local

Nester, H., Sharp, M. (2022. ) (In Press. ) Mapping the Future of Undergraduate Education .ELCE Virtual Conference, Cincinnati.

Nester, H., Frazier, E., Brailey, B. (2023. ) (In Press. ) Connecting Mental Health Classroom Strategies to Professional Environments .Learning and Teaching at UC Conference, University of Cincinnati.

Nester, H., Amundson, A.S. (2024. ) (In Press. ) An Instructor’s Approach to AI-Enhanced Student Career Growth .Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education,

Nester, H., Frazier, E., Grontkowski, D. (2024. ) (In Press. ) Faculty Learning Community: How to Highlight Career Competencies within Your Courses .Center for the Enhancement of Teaching & Learning, University of Cincinnati.

Buford, M., Nester, H., Sharp, M., Stebleton, M. (2022. ) The Future of Undergraduate Education .Student Affairs Now Podcast,

Thompson, K., Nester, H., Selzer, R., Kelly, A., Horton, M., Khan, F. (2021. ) (In Press. ) How to Increase Outcomes Through On-Campus Jobs .University of Cincinnati.

Nester, H. & Robers, R. (2021. ) (In Press. ) The Job Market Post-Commencement and Finding Jobs Panel .Lambda Pi Eta,

Nester, H., Sasso, P., Skrodzka, A., Bright, A. (2020. ) (In Press. ) Hiring in Higher Ed: It’s Time for Change .Change Higher Ed Podcast,

Nester, H., Gentry, A. (2019. ) (In Press. ) Gaining Professional Experience: Defining Your Own Success . Cincinnati Public Schools Scholars Academy,

2020 Promoting Student Development Outside of the Classroom Awarded to Faculty at the University of Cincinnati Clermont Campus. Status:Recipient Level:University Type:Recognition

2022 Outstanding Young Alumni Award Nominee for the 2022 Outstanding Young Alumni Award for the College of Arts and Sciences Status:Nomination Level:University Type:Recognition

2019 Faculty Mental Health Champion Nominated by UC's Student Government as a Faculty Mental Health Champion during the first iteration of the program. Status:Nomination Level:University

2020 Promoting Student Development Outside of the Classroom Awarded to faculty based on nominations from University of Cincinnati Clermont campus students. Clermont College, University of Cincinnati Status:Recipient

2021 Ralph Van Wye Student-Centered Award College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies Status:Nomination

2023 McFarlan Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies Status:Nomination

2025 John Dewey Innovation Award College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies Status:Recipient

Professionalism, Purpose, and Careers in Biology

Exploring Health Professions

Exploring Professional Paths

Career Readiness for the Liberal Arts

Internship Online Reflection Course

Introduction to Cooperative Education for Engineers

Professionalism, Purpose, and Success in the Pre-Health Pathway Level:Undergraduate

Professionalism for the Major Level:Undergraduate

Professionalism and Purpose

Quest for Success in the Liberal Arts

Professional Development & Reflection Course Level:Both

Post-Experience Reflection Level:Both

Unpacking COVID-19: A Multidisciplinary Approach

Professionalism and Pathways for Psychology Majors