Contributing Authors

Cynthia L. Miller is an Assistant Professor in Family and Consumer Sciences Education (FCSE) and the Coordinator for the Human Sciences Education and Training Graduate Certificate at Texas Tech University. She holds a Ph.D. in Family and Consumer Sciences Education, an M.Ed. in Business Education, and a B.S. in Business Education, all from Texas Tech University. Additionally, she earned her Administrative Mid-Management Certification from Texas Tech University, qualifying her to serve as a school district administrator. Dr. Miller brings over three decades of educational experience, having served 11 years as a secondary educator, 14 years as a Career and Technical Education Administrator, and 12 years as a postsecondary teacher-educator. In her current role, she teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses for FCSE learners, including a course on Practical Reasoning in Human Sciences. Her expertise extends beyond the classroom; she has been an active contributor and presenter for the Critical Science Academy, which created eight modules, five workshops, and two virtual application webinars on practical reasoning for the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. Dr. Miller’s extensive background in education administration and her commitment to advancing practical reasoning in human sciences make her a distinguished author and educator in the field of Family and Consumer Sciences Education.

Nicole Wanago is the Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Teacher Educator at Montana State University. Nicole’s career is driven by her passion for empowering FCS professionals through innovative curriculum design and impactful professional development. She holds a B.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences Education and Extension from Montana State University, an M.A. in Language, Reading, and Culture from the University of Arizona, and a Ph.D. in FCS from Texas Tech University. As a founding developer of the award-winning Take Charge Today program, Nicole played a pivotal role in helping young adults build financial capability and well-being. The program offered ready-to-use, activity-based lesson plans and ongoing professional development that reached thousands of middle and high school educators across the nation. Beyond her curriculum work, Nicole also served as the director of Montana Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), developing leadership programs that offered valuable leadership opportunities for youth and supported advisers. In her role as the FCS Teacher Educator at Montana State, Nicole weaves Practical Reasoning into all of her courses, whether it’s Resource Management, Family Life Education, or FCS Methods. Nicole’s research focuses on Practical Reasoning as a core philosophy that guides both the knowledge and practice within the FCS field, shaping future educators and leaders in the profession.

Dylan Hinkle is a secondary Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) educator at Clark County School District, CCSD, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Before transitioning into education, he spent many years working in various retail management, sales, and merchandising roles, and also worked as a substitute educator. He currently teaches secondary culinary arts courses and also teaches a new course that he developed called independent living. At his high school, he served on the Multicultural Committee and currently serves on the Library Committee. Dylan is also an active FCCLA advisor where he continues to help his FCCLA members build their new chapter at their high school. He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in FCS Education from Texas Tech University, with a minor in Cross-Cultural Studies and a Graduate Certificate in Women’s and Gender Studies. He also earned an M.S. in Human Sciences with a specialization in Merchandising from South Dakota State University, and a B.S. in Fashion Merchandising from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Dylan’s enthusiasm for applying the practical reasoning approach stems from his experience working with consumers in the retail environment as well as his current role as a secondary FCS educator.