Ashton Speaker Series, Spring 2026

"When Expertise Isn’t Enough: How Connection and Belonging Sustain Learning" by Dr. SherAaron Hurt 

Tuesday, March 31st 
Willard Room, Zimmerman Library

• 9:30 - 10:00 AM: refreshments
• 10:00 - 11:00 AM: talk 

Talk Abstract

In higher education, educators often assume that they must arrive with confidence before they are ready to participate, yet many librarians, faculty, and academic staff experience imposter syndrome when engaging with new pedagogies, technologies, or open practices. Drawing on doctoral research in volunteer retention, leadership within The Carpentries, and experience in open science communities, Dr. SherAaron will explore how connection, encouragement, and psychological safety shape engagement and persistence in academic learning environments. Through examples from volunteer-driven educational models, the session reframes expertise as something developed through participation rather than a prerequisite for it. Attendees will gain insight into how human-centered approaches to teaching and support can reduce fear, strengthen engagement, and foster sustainable learning across higher education.

Speaker biography

Dr. SherAaron Hurt is a leader in data science education and inclusive community building. As the Director of Workshops and Training for The Carpentries (a nonprofit that teaches foundational coding and data science skills to researchers worldwide), she provides strategic oversight for global workshops and leads Instructor and Trainer programs, including certification, curriculum development, and community engagement. With a background in Business Administration, Marketing, and Hospitality Management, she brings a service-driven, people-centered approach to advancing equitable learning experiences worldwide.