Faculty Spotlight: Operations Management Instructor Dr. Emily Grime

Dr. Emily Grime, an adjunct instructor in Southern New Hampshire University’s (SNHU) online bachelor’s in operations management program, works in the biopharmaceutical industry. She has a PhD in Bioethics and Healthcare Policy, as well as a PMP certification and 15 years of experience teaching adult learners.

Recently, she answered questions about her role at SNHU, how she connects with online students and more.

Can you tell us about your professional background?

I work in the medical industry, leading initiatives through the project management office. My responsibilities include developing processes and policies that align with regulatory and compliance standards, particularly in bioethics for healthcare. I hold a Project Management Professional certification and have over 15 years of experience teaching adult learners.

What first drew you to higher education?

I was fortunate to teach my first undergraduate course shortly after completing my master’s degree. Watching students experience “light bulb” moments as they connected with new ideas ignited my passion for teaching and higher education.

What aspects of your own education have been influential in shaping your career in academia?

Earning my doctorate in bioethics and healthcare policy has profoundly influenced my career. It enables me to lead and design impactful projects that shape the healthcare industry. This foundation has allowed me to integrate ethics into practical applications, leaving a lasting legacy.

What attracted you to this field of study? What keeps you excited about it?

My love for organization and structure naturally led me to project management. Combining this with my passion for bioethics and medicine has been incredibly fulfilling. Helping individuals and organizations make ethically sound decisions inspires me to continue striving for meaningful change.

How have you found ways to effectively connect with students?

Building connections starts with aligning with students’ ideas and viewpoints, even if they differ from my own. I’ve found that some of the most enriching conversations stem from disagreements, as students’ passion and creativity spark deep engagement.

What brings you the greatest joy in your work at SNHU?

One of the most rewarding moments is hearing from students who are one class away from graduating, telling me they saved my course for last. Knowing I play a small role in their final steps toward achieving their goals is truly an honor.

What do you feel is unique about the faculty and students you work with?

The diverse blend of traditional and non-traditional students, combined with faculty from various professional and cultural backgrounds, creates a dynamic learning environment that is unlike any other.

What does SNHU’s mission to transform the lives of learners mean to you?

To me, it means contributing to students’ growth in a way that lasts beyond the classroom. The lessons, examples and activities we share can become stories they carry with them as they continue to evolve in their personal and professional lives.

Outside of work, what’s something you’re passionate about or really enjoy doing?

I’m privileged to be part of a team developing healthcare policy and ethics for a small country where these systems have never existed. It’s an extraordinary opportunity to help write the first chapters of their story.

Joe Cote is a writer and organic marketer at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), where he has worked since 2016. Previously he spent more than a dozen years as a reporter and editor at weekly and daily newspapers in Vermont and New Hampshire. He lives near SNHU's Manchester, New Hampshire campus with his wife and daughter. Connect with him on LinkedIn.