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Department of Educational Studies
The Department of Educational Studies is committed to creating knowledge through discovery and developing exemplary learning experiences for aspiring teachers, administrators, psychologists, and scholars, while contributing to the welfare and advancement of human society through education with a lens focused on equity, inclusion, and advocacy.
About
Program Areas
Department of Educational Studies students can pursue several topics in the study of education, including educational foundations, philosophy, higher education, multicultural education, secondary education, and institutional research. Learn more about the programs below.
Featured Graduate Student
Angel Cox
Angel Cox is a third-year doctoral candidate studying Counseling Psychology in the Department of Educational Studies.
Where are you from and what did you do prior to your PhD program?
I was raised in Mississippi, but I have lived many places across the U.S. Before joining the PhD program, I lived in Hawaii and I was a logistical specialist for the federal government in the Department of Defense.
Why did you choose Purdue and your area of concentration?
I chose Purdue and my area of concentration because both aligned with my long term goal of equipping myself with the necessary knowledge to serve marginalized communities.
What are your areas of research interests? What led to your interest in these areas?
My research interests focus on the intersection of psychedelic-assisted therapy, the Strong Black Woman schema, and mental health, exploring how psychedelics can facilitate healing by addressing racialized trauma, emotional suppression, and resilience in marginalized communities. My interest in this research stems from both my personal experiences and my clinical work. These experiences led me to explore nontraditional healing modalities as a tool for helping people of color access deeper emotional processing, self-compassion, and healing from intergenerational trauma.
Tell us about your prior research experience.
As an undergraduate, I did research on the intersection of poor mental health outcomes, sleep difficulties, and risky drinking behavior for folks who hold trans identities.
Where do you hope to be in 5 years?
I plan to be the owner of a thriving private practice!
What advice do you have for other new fellow graduate student researchers?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, take risks by exploring areas you’re truly interested in and, above all, prioritize your mental health.
Centers and Institutes
Featured Faculty
Dr. Chandler Hawkins
Dr. Chandler Hawkins is an Visiting Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies in the Department of Educational Studies.
Where did you earn your PhD?
Indiana University – Bloomington
How long have you worked at Purdue?
June 2025
What are your research interests?
My overarching research agenda focuses on inequities in higher education, as I interrogate culturally relevant ways to improve student experiences within postsecondary education. More specifically, my work troubles the concept of belonging, foregrounding Black feminist and culturally validating perspectives.
What led you to be interested in these areas?
My positionality and experiences in higher education have led to my continued interest in cultivating postsecondary environments that are equitable and inclusive.
What has been one of your most rewarding research experiences?
My dissertation study! The research process was life-giving and something I will forever be grateful for. My participants were open, honest, and authentic. As a qualitative researcher, you cannot ask for much more.
Is there a publication that you are particularly proud of?
Brooks, J. E., Hawkins, C. K., & White, D. A. (2024). Same-race bias in romantic attraction: Daters’ race, gender, and racial ideologies. Personal Relationships, 31(4), 1154-1174. https://doi.org/10.1111/pere.12577
Any advice for your fellow researchers?
Be creative…within reason!
What do you like to do when you need a break from your research?
Take my dog for a long walk or bake mini-cupcakes for friends.
News
Meet the Department Head
Dr. Christine Kiracofe
Christine Kiracofe is the Department Head of Educational Students and a professor in the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies program, focusing on Higher Education.
Kiracofe’s research focuses on the intersection of Education Law and Finance, with a primary emphasis on school funding litigation. Kiracofe also studies issues related to the Constitutional and Statutory rights of students, teachers, and administrators in public K-12 schools and Colleges/Universities. She is a trained legal mediator and has a professional interest in using mediation and conflict resolution strategies as tools for educational administrators.
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