Profile

Dr. Buckingham spent his professional career at NASA, working at both NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C., and at the Kennedy Space Center. Beginning his career in government through the Presidential Management Fellow (Intern) program, Dr. Buckingham would go on to work in the Space Shuttle Logistics Program, NASA’s Education Program, KSC History Contact, and three years as a senior leader culminating as Deputy Director, Education and External Relations Directorate. Dr. Buckingham also worked in local government for a short time.

“My teaching philosophy is centered around integrative and authentic learning.  I try to connect class material and activities to the students' wider activities - across class, extracurricular activities, and life skills to better prepare them for post-graduation.  Connecting to the profession as much as possible increases their understanding of what might be expected of them post-graduation and enhances their interest in class material.

As a first-generation undergraduate student, I realize now how much I didn’t know when I began college. From this experience, I try to understand and connect with each student, to welcome all students. I specifically discuss transfer student/first generation student challenges in the first class of every semester, and in the context of class content, discuss how to develop professionally.  Any research I participate in is SoTL research related to these ideas.”

Dr. Buckingham holds a master's degree in Political Science (Certificate in Public Administration) from the University of Florida and a Doctorate in Education from the University of Central Florida. Married for forty years, Dr. Buckingham lives with his wife and has two sons; all four have a degree from UCF. He enjoys outdoor activities such as gardening and biking, has season tickets to the Orlando Pride, Orlando City Lions, and Broadway Across America. He is also a big fan of movies.