Dr. Tinnesz received her doctorate in Education, Leadership, and Policy from the University at Buffalo. Prior to coming to the Department of Communication, she was the Associate Director of the Methods of Inquiry Program at UB and taught for the School of Education at Buffalo State College. Dr. Tinnesz has extensive knowledge in student development and the implementation of critical thinking skills in the classroom.  She mentors graduate teaching assistants in the Communication Department with an emphasis on effective teaching strategies.  She also conducts presentations and workshops for First Year Seminar instructors and the Office of Curriculum, Assessment, and Teaching.  Dr. Tinnesz has presented at many conferences around the country and received the Excellence in Teaching Award at Buffalo State University and the Institutional Research Leadership in Student Retention Award from the National Symposium on Student Retention. 

Educational Background

• PhD, University at Buffalo
• MS, Syracuse University
• BS, State University of New York College at Oswego

Recent Courses

• COM 300: Written Communication

Selected Publications

Ahuna, K. H., & Tinnesz, C. G. (2016). Using Questions to Frame a Metacognitive Classroom. In H. Blythe, C. Sweet, & R. Carpenter. It Works For Me, Metacognitively: Shared Tips for Effective Teaching. Stillwater, OK: New Forums.

Ahuna, K. H., Tinnesz, C. G., & Kiener, M. S. (2014). A new era of critical thinking in professional programs. Transformative Dialogues: Teaching and Learning Journal, 7(3), 1-9.

Patterson, D., Ahuna, K., Tinnesz, C.G., & Vanzile-Tamsen, C. (2014). Using self-regulated learning methods to increase Native American college retention. Journal of College Student Retention, 16(2) 219-237.

Kiener, M. S., Ahuna, K. H., & Gray Tinnesz, C. (2013) Documenting critical thinking in a capstone course: Moving students toward a professional disposition. Educational Action Research.

“Methods of Inquiry:  Using critical thinking skills to retain students.”  Innovative Higher Education, 36 (4).  August 2011.

“Toward college success:  Internalizing active and dynamic strategies,” College Teaching Journal, 54 (4).  Fall 2006.