Dr. Hammer grew up in Jemison, Alabama, in a home where her mother and stepfather were avid readers. One day, Dr. Hammer discovered an introductory psychology textbook that instantly ignited her passion for psychology and a desire for an understanding of the human mind. 

“I loved reading about sensation and perception. I was able to read it at a young age and understand how things work with our eyes and brain. It was very intriguing to me,” said Dr. Hammer. “In college, it wasn’t long before I realized my true passion for social psychology. I had an interest in relationships and interpersonal reactions.”

A lover of music, she joined the marching band at Troy University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in psychology.  With firm support from a mentor there (Dr. Pam Manners), she decided to pursue a doctoral degree at Tulane University after visiting three college campuses with friends. 

“When we drove over the high-rise into New Orleans-- coming from a rural place and seeing a big city, I fell in love. It’s a very diverse and unique city where everyone seems to enjoy having a good time. I knew it was for me.”

Initially, when Dr. Hammer arrived on Tulane’s campus, she felt underprepared. She felt her writing skills and level of research skills were behind that of her peers. A feeling she says many students experience entering a brand new college campus. 

“I felt so out of place. It made me feel like I didn’t belong, I felt ashamed and I felt embarrassed. I thought about quitting with my master’s degree until one of my professors, Dr. Janet Rusher, took me under her wing and provided remediation to help me get through. She ended up becoming my Ph.D. advisor.”

If it had not been for Dr. Hammer’s first mentor at Troy, she may not have continued to pursue psychology at Tulane. If it had not been for her professor’s guidance at Tulane, she may not have completed her doctoral program. But, she went on to earn a Ph.D. in psychology at Tulane.

“As an undergraduate, I didn’t think I could go into psychology because I knew I would need a graduate degree and I didn’t see that for myself. Luckily, I had somebody step in to help me and realize what I needed in order to succeed. That meant a lot to me. I believe it showed me the importance of really connecting with students and recognizing signs to understand what they need to be successful.”

Dr. Hammer fell in love with teaching and switched her focus to pedagogical research in the classroom after teaching her first class at Loyola. After graduating, she found her place at colleges with religious backgrounds and affiliations. In 2007, when the Center of Advancement of Teaching at Xavier University of Louisiana needed a director, Dr. Hammer knew the position was perfect for her. After years of dedicating her time to researching the teaching profession and pedagogy, she was able to utilize her knowledge and skills to make an impression on the Xavier family. 

“I’ve only been at schools with religious affiliations. Therefore, I’ve always believed social justice is at the core of education along with critical thinking. Xavier is unique in bringing together the social justice component and the education component to create leaders in our society. Xavier hired me to run the teaching center, and I get to actually use everything I’ve learned through my research. The university has been very supportive of my work.”

Dr. Hammer has been instrumental in her service at Xavier as the Director of the CAT + FD. She has created pedagogical workshops and faculty development initiatives serving to push and improve Xavier faculty’s teaching strategies. Dr. Hammer also served as the lead organizer for the XULA-Flex program which trained nearly 100 percent of Xavier’s faculty in distance learning at the onset of the national COVID-19 pandemic.

Tresaundra Roberson, a former teaching assistant to Dr. Hammer and a Psychology Pre-Med major graduating this May, says her experience at Xavier would not have been the same without Dr. Hammer’s influence.

“Dr. Hammer is one of those few professors that make you want to get out of bed and go to class because her energy is so refreshing. I can be quite shy and reserved in nature as I have my own struggles with social anxiety. I recall the very first day I had a class with Dr. Hammer and how we made our way around the entire class with everyone participating except for me,” said Tresaundra. “At the end of class she told me, ‘I'm going to get you to participate.’ I just smiled and chuckled as I knew the challenge that was going to be, as I'm not one to willingly participate and share my thoughts. Eventually, she won. She took the time to provide a safe space for me and made me feel comfortable enough to share my ideas. ”

Dr. Hammer enjoys engaging with students to understand them. She teaches Advanced Research, a sophomore-level course where students develop a basic idea, develop a hypothesis, and test their theories. In one semester her students learn the fundamentals of conducting scientific research that will apply to any and all future research projects they conduct in their careers.  

“My goal is to support Xavier’s mission and build leaders for a just and humane society. Every student I meet has the ability to do amazing things. I enter my classroom with the belief that every single student will succeed. I want to help them get to the next step,” said Dr. Hammer. “We have to meet each other in the middle. Believing in students in an authentic way is how you get them to where they need to go. You never know people’s situation, but we are giving every student an opportunity and belief.” 

Dr. Hammer is looking forward to starting her own legacy at Xavier University by continuing to mentor students and faculty at Xavier as well as providing an opportunity for first-generation college students in the future. As a student who once struggled among her peers, she has advice for students and the professors and advisors who assist those students in completing their academic goals;

“Students, I know reaching out is very hard. You were probably the top student in your high school. As hard as it is, you’re spending your money and your time, and you need to get the most out of it. Get to know your professors, let them know why you are in the class and how it’s helping you reach your goals. Tutoring, peers, advising, don’t be afraid to fully engage. Overcome the fear,” said Dr. Hammer.  “Faculty, look for it. Get to know your students well enough that you can see the early signs of struggle. Don’t ignore what you find.”

As a winner of the Charles F. Brewer award, Dr. Hammer will receive a plaque, a $2,000 award, and a fully-funded round trip to the American Psychologist Association (APA) annual convention, where the award will be presented to her. 

Click here for more information on the Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Faculty Development (CAT+FD).