Look who just earned a Fulbright Scholar Award! I am absolutely thrilled to be working with Shippensburg professor, Dr. Christine Royce, as her creative headshot photographer. I wanted to capture all sides of her — from teaching to technology to traveling the world — even learning Arabic!   This woman is amazing… Christine will spend four months teaching in Cairo, Egypt! 

Why Rhinehart Photography?

Christine shares, “I was familiar with Lisa’s work from colleagues and friends, as well as on social media. The fact that she tackles every event as an individual opportunity to explore and bring together content, ideas, and artistry appeals to me. Lisa’s work is individualized to the person, which is a strong collaboration point for me.  Through the initial meeting, follow-up call, and day of shooting, she got to know me, which allowed me to get unique photos,  and also made me feel comfortable with her.”

She continues, “In the future, when I retire and launch a company, if I need any photography, I will definitely return to Lisa.”

 

Meet Dr. Christine Royce

Dr. Christine Anne Royce is a STEM Educator and professor in the Teacher Education Department at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, where she co-directs the MAT in STEM Education program.

She is the recipient of a Fulbright Scholar Award, which will allow her to spend four months teaching in Cairo, Egypt, during the spring of 2026, where she hopes to deepen her learning and speaking of Arabic.

With a passion for integrating technology, the use of children’s literature, and global perspectives into STEM learning, she continues to inspire educators to ignite curiosity and empower the next generation of thinkers.

A past president and current parliamentarian of the National Science Teaching Association, Christine is an international speaker, author, and advocate for innovative science education.

 

Creative Headshot Photographer: Capturing STEM, Visually

As a creative headshot photographer, I wanted a location that would give the concept of STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. I felt like a modern building with a lot of glass would do the trick.

Christine says, “Lisa would take abstract concepts and make them visual.   Glass to represent transparency and inquiry, metal symbolizing technology and innovation.”

(Wait until you see how I captured Arabic visually…😆 )

 

Christine is a Teacher at Heart

Christine says, “Teaching shapes how I approach everything—I naturally look for connections, encourage curiosity, and focus on growth. Whether I’m working with others or trying something new, I bring that same energy of discovery and reflection. Teaching taught me to be prepared but flexible, confident but always learning. That mindset keeps me excited for what’s next.”

She shares, “As I prepare, visiting a country and moving to a country for an extended period of time are two different things.  I’m excited to find out more about the institution and people where I will be working, and the courses that I will be teaching. I am also excited about the opportunity to try and apply my learning in an actual setting. Conceptually and academically are different than actually! 

Christine continues, “Overall, I am trying to go into this without expectations, as they would likely be from a different viewpoint than I will have when I am there.  I know I will be doing much more walking to places, food shopping, etc., which is different than here and will likely change how I approach even the most simple tasks in life.

 

Planning Headshots? I’ve Got you!

Christine shares, “Lisa sharing her ideas initially and in the follow-up meeting was helpful. I think the major thing that made it comfortable is her adaptability with the types of shots I was looking for, places to take them, and overall fluidity with the session. Lisa had thought about things ahead of time, which made the time go quickly with a lot of transitions between locations and clothing.”

Christine on Learning Arabic

Christine laughs, “In the summer of 2022, ‘Well, go learn Arabic‘ was tossed out to me by someone as perhaps a joke or challenge. Or maybe even something that was a serious statement based on the situation and expected future at that time. I found a program and enrolled in an online Arabic class at PennWest University. I quickly realized- I so need a tutor. So I found one and started to work with him weekly.”

“On day 1, my tutor told me that it is a language that takes time. Some people never learn it, and some struggle to learn it. Now, more than three years later, I joke about having a kindergarten-level of Arabic speaking ability and maybe a fourth-grade level of listening ability.”

She continues, “It has helped me better understand the challenges several of my graduate students at Shippensburg have. They are in a reverse role- Arabic is their native language, and they are doing work in English.”

“It has taught me that even the most lighthearted, or perhaps semi-sincere comment, has provided one of the greatest journeys I have gone through in my life. It has allowed me to make many connections that have turned into extended family and friends.”

 

Creative Headshot Photographer: Christine’s Reflections

Christine would like to give a shoutout to “The International Studies Program at Shippensburg and Jonathan Skaff for guidance on the process. Shippensburg University, in general, for the opportunity to be on sabbatical in the spring while I complete the Fulbright. Students and colleagues in Teacher Education.”

She adds, “Throughout all of this, I am also thankful for my friends and family who embraced this ‘newfound adventure’ that I found myself on. From my mom calling it ‘chicken scratch’ but being supportive and watching my cats, to David Barnes helping me with travel to Shaun Flynn, Danielle Surotchak, Bernadette Anne, and Theresa Royce, who made airport runs and supported me in the least expected ways from afar.”

“Thank you to all of those people mentioned and the many others who have simply listened to me talk about this process.“

Creative Headshot Slideshow: Dr. Christine Royce

 

HUNGRY FOR MORE?

• Denim Coffee x Shippensburg University
• Dr. Rachel Day Dermatology Branding Session
• About Branding Photography

 

Christine’s Hair & Makeup:

• Annex Hair Studio

 

CONTACT ME!

Are you looking for professional and creative headshots? I’m your girl! Contact me here, I’d love to hear all about it!

 

 CONNECT WITH CHRISTINE:

• Christine’s LinkedIn
• Christine’s Instagram