Ernest Nix
Grantsville,USA
Summary
- Cognitive psychology scholar and emerging college instructor with a PhD in General Psychology (Cognition & Instruction). Prepared to deliver engaging psychology instruction online and in traditional settings, supported by extensive doctoral-level online learning and adult education teaching experience. Skilled in learning management systems, including extensive experience with HALO and seamless adaptability to Canvas for online course delivery and student engagement. Strong grounding in cognitive, behavioral, psychodynamic, humanistic, and social learning theories, supported by advanced coursework in cognition, instruction, and cognitive science. Proficient in quantitative research methods, APA-style scholarly writing, and statistical software (SPSS, G
- Power, Intellectus Statistics). Dedicated to creating inclusive, evidence-based learning environments that foster critical thinking, academic growth, and lifelong curiosity in psychology students.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director & Instructor, Adult Faith Formation (OCIA)
St. Marguerite Catholic Church
01.2023 - Current
- Design and facilitate weekly instructional modules for diverse adult learners, encouraging critical reflection and formation
- Integrate learning sciences, digital resources, and discussion-based methodologies
- Provide ongoing mentorship to support individual learner development
Doctoral Candidate — PhD in General Psychology (Cognition & Instruction)
Grand Canyon University
01.2022 - 01.2025
- Conducted original quantitative research on cognitive health and aging utilizing SPSS, G
- Power, and Intellectus Statistics
- Applied cognitive, behavioral, and humanistic learning theories to evidence-based instructional design
- Authored APA-style scholarly research and delivered updates through doctoral residencies
Academic Director
Bonneville Academy (STEM Charter)
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Directed instructional programs and professional learning initiatives improving teaching effectiveness and student performance
- Guided curriculum adoption and assessment strategies in a STEM-focused environment
Instructor, Mathematics & Science
Eva Carlston Academy
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Facilitated inquiry-based instruction, improving student comprehension in small cohort environments
- Adapted instruction to unique learning needs to enhance self-efficacy and academic performance
Principal
Guadalupe Center for Education
01.2012 - 01.2015
- Implemented school-wide improvement initiatives yielding significant academic gains
- Led faculty development, operations, and community partnerships
Co-Founder & Operations Manager
Exit 99 Transportation LLC
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Managed logistics operations, compliance documentation, and business planning
- Strengthened professional communication and problem-solving in dynamic environments
- Demonstrated entrepreneurial leadership through operational continuity and growth management
Principal / Administrator
Salt Lake City School District
01.1996 - 01.2008
- Served in multiple leadership positions, including:
- Assistant Principal/Principal — Northwest Middle School
- Principal — Jackson Elementary School
- Principal — Glendale Middle School
- Led instructional improvement initiatives to increase student achievement and strengthen community partnerships
- Directed campus operations, faculty evaluation, and data-driven academic strategies
Teacher/Coach, Mathematics & Physics
Cloudcroft Municipal Schools
01.1990 - 01.1996
- Taught upper-level math and science courses including AP curriculum development
- Coached academic and extracurricular teams fostering confidence and achievement
Education
Ph.D. - General Psychology (Cognition & Instruction)
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ01.2025
M.S. - Addiction Counseling
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ01.2022
M.A. - Educational Management & Development
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM01.1996
B.S. (Honors) - Mathematics & Secondary Education
Western New Mexico University
Silver City, NM01.1989
Skills
- Learning Management Systems: HALO (GCU), adaptable to Canvas
- Statistical Analysis Software: SPSS, G
- Power, Intellectus Statistics
- Productivity Tools: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Digital Teaching Tools: Zoom videoconferencing, virtual classroom facilitation
- Data Management: Excel-based dataset preparation and APA-compliant reporting
Affiliations
- American Psychological Association (APA) — Member
- APA Division 20: Adult Development & Aging — Member
Certification
- Professional Educator License, State of Utah — Expires 2027
- Endorsements: Secondary Education; Mathematics; Physical Education; School Leadership
- License #: CACTUS 95195
Timeline
Director & Instructor, Adult Faith Formation (OCIA)
St. Marguerite Catholic Church
01.2023 - Current
Doctoral Candidate — PhD in General Psychology (Cognition & Instruction)
Grand Canyon University
01.2022 - 01.2025
Academic Director
Bonneville Academy (STEM Charter)
01.2017 - 01.2020
Instructor, Mathematics & Science
Eva Carlston Academy
01.2016 - 01.2017
Principal
Guadalupe Center for Education
01.2012 - 01.2015
Co-Founder & Operations Manager
Exit 99 Transportation LLC
01.2010 - 01.2012
Principal / Administrator
Salt Lake City School District
01.1996 - 01.2008
Teacher/Coach, Mathematics & Physics
Cloudcroft Municipal Schools
01.1990 - 01.1996
M.S. - Addiction Counseling
Grand Canyon University
M.A. - Educational Management & Development
New Mexico State University
B.S. (Honors) - Mathematics & Secondary Education
Western New Mexico University
Ph.D. - General Psychology (Cognition & Instruction)
Grand Canyon University
RESEARCH & SCHOLARLY ACTIVITY
- Nix, E. L. (2025). From grey hair to gray matter: Exploring intimacy and cognition in older adults (Order No. 32277441). Grand Canyon University. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing. https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/grey-hair-gray-matter-exploring-intimacy/docview/3261944292/se-2
- Research Areas of Expertise
- Cognitive aging and resilience
- Intimacy and social connectedness as predictors of cognitive health
- Quantitative methods and secondary data analysis (NSHAP)
- Medicine 3.0 and biopsychosocial approaches to aging
- Manuscripts in Preparation
- Nix, E. L. (in preparation). Relational predictors of cognitive health in older adults: Emotional satisfaction as a primary contributor to MoCA-SA outcomes.
- Nix, E. L. (in preparation). Social integration indicators and cognitive resilience in aging: A secondary analysis of NSHAP Wave 3.
CORE COMPETENCIES
- College-Level Psychology Instruction: General Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Learning & Memory, Research Methods & Statistics
- Learning Science & Instructional Design grounded in cognitive, behavioral, and constructivist theories
- Online Course Delivery & LMS Proficiency (HALO, adaptable to Canvas; video-based and virtual instruction)
- Quantitative Research Methods, APA-style scholarly writing, and critical analysis of psychological research
- Statistical Software & Data Analysis: SPSS, G
- Power, Intellectus Statistics
- Curriculum Development & Assessment for diverse adult learner populations
- Student Engagement & Mentorship, supporting academic persistence and intellectual curiosity