This document summarizes Sydney M. vanderWal's educational background and research interests, including three completed research projects. The independent study found no overall significance in using science notebooks and/or digital classroom photos to improve science literacy. However, significance was found within test sections. Qualitative research interviews found digital photos can enhance language comprehension and stimulate deeper thought. A mixed-methods group project found no overall test score differences between conditions but photos positively impacted some students. A new proposed mixed-methods study will photograph 4th grade students during science and apply photos to unit post-tests to further examine the impact of personal digital photos on memory recall.