Featured Faculty & Graduate Students

Dr Krista Mitchell | Lecturer, Elementary Education

Krista Mitchell is a lecturer and head supervisor for Student Teaching in Elementary Education in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. She joined the College of Education in August 2023.

She is currently working on training manuals for University Supervisors, Placements for University Supervisors, for the spring of 2024, and course revisions for 2024-25 when the College will offer a full year of student teaching.

“I am excited to bring my classroom experience to the student teaching courses and have already enjoyed working with our students as they start their last year of college and become the new generation of educators. I am proud to be a first generation college graduate,” Krista says.

She spent the past 25 years as a classroom teacher and media specialist. “I taught second, fourth, and fifth grades, and served as a media specialist in both elementary and middle schools,” she says. “I have held many leadership positions, most recently as Professional Learning Community leader for my exploratory team, a member of my school’s leadership and Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports teams, as well as my school district’s union president.” When she has time, Krista loves reading for pleasure, attending concerts, traveling, and sharing laughs with her husband and their baby girl.

Dr Lanette Jimerson | Visiting Assistant Professor, English Department

“My research focuses on teacher development, writing assessment, and technology” – Dr. Lanette Jimerson

Lanette Jimerson is a visiting professor in English Education within the College of Education. Prior to coming to Purdue University, Jimerson completed an MA and PhD in Language, Literacy, Society, and Culture at the University of California, Berkeley.

Jimerson has served as the director of the Secondary English Credential and Masters Pathway at UC Berkeley and also as the program manager at the Stanford Center for Assessment, Learning and Equity at Stanford University. Her research encompasses 14 years of teaching secondary English in the San Francisco Bay area.

Jimerson has numerous research publications which explore the intersection of writing instruction, technology, and human rights. One of her publications, “Localizing Human Rights Education Through Technology” was published by Springer Publications.

Breanya Hogue | Assistant Professor in Literacy and Language Education

Dr. Breanya Hogue is an assistant professor of Literacy and Language in the College’s Department of Curriculum and Instruction and joined us in August 2022 while finishing her PhD in Literacy, Culture, & Language Education at Indiana University-Bloomington.

“My research agenda includes implementing and studying culturally responsive and proactive pedagogies, practices, and strategies with pre-service teachers that can shape their teacher dispositions and impact students, families, and communities,” Hogue says. “My overall research interests include pre-service teacher urban education preparation, diverse children’s literature, and supporting the development of quality literacy programs and initiatives.”

She is currently working on starting a Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) Freedom Schools program site in the summer of 2023 at Purdue. “This program will provide an enriching summer literacy opportunity at no cost to children and families in our West Lafayette community that otherwise may not be able to afford it,” she said. “This site will also provide some of our preservice teachers with an opportunity to work within this national intergenerational model, learn about the CDF integrated curriculum, and gain culturally relevant teaching practices to add to their teaching toolboxes.”

She is also assisting with interactive read-alouds with the Literacy & Language Development Clinics project with Dr. Christy Wessel-Powell.

Two recent publications she’s excited about:

Appleget. C., Shimek, C., Myers, J., & Hogue, B. (2022). Self-Study communities of practice: A traveler’s guide for the journey. In B. Butler & S. Bullock (Eds.), Learning through Collaboration in Self-Study: Critical Friendship, Communities of Practice, and Collaborative Self-Study. Springer Publishing.

Shimek, C., Appleget, C. Meyers, J., Hogue, B. (2022) Wobbling our Way to Culturally Proactive Pedagogies: Achieving Flow in U.S. Teacher Education. Journal of Education for Teaching. 

“When I’m not conducting research, I enjoy traveling and exploring new places. and trying out new restaurants,” Hogue said.

Read more about the Purdue CDF Freedom School Program

Seyedeh Fatemeh Dadashipour | PhD Student | Learning Design and Technology

Seyedeh Fatemeh Dadashipour is a first-year PhD student studying Learning Design and Technology in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. Her major professor is Dr. Jennifer Richardson.

Where are you from, and what did you do prior to your PhD program?
I am from Iran and have a background in English Language Teaching. I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in this field. Before starting my PhD, I worked as an English teacher for about seven years.

Why did you choose Purdue and your area of concentration?
I chose Purdue because it is one of the top universities, and the program aligns perfectly with my goals. The focus on online learning matches my academic interests and career aspirations. Purdue’s resources and faculty expertise will help me deepen my understanding in this area.

What are your areas of research interests?
My research interests focus on online and blended learning environments. The shift to online classes during the COVID-19 pandemic sparked my motivation to explore this area. Experiencing the challenges and opportunities of online education firsthand inspired me to investigate ways to improve these learning environments.

Do you have any prior research experience?
Yes, I have prior research experience. I worked on my thesis, which explored the effect of group dynamic assessment on reading comprehension of Iranian EFL students in online and blended learning environments. This research involved examining how group dynamics impact learning outcomes in digital settings. It provided valuable insights into effective strategies for online and blended instruction.

Where do you hope to be in five years?
As a first-year PhD student, I have not yet decided whether to focus on academia or work as an instructional designer in a major company. I hope to apply my expertise in online and blended learning in both areas. I also plan to run a successful business with my husband, Jafar Tavakoli, who is a third-year PhD student in Learning Design and Technology. Balancing these professional goals with a fulfilling personal life is my ultimate aspiration.

What advice do you have for other new fellow graduate student researchers?
Embrace curiosity and be open to exploring new ideas. Building a strong support network with peers and mentors can be invaluable. Stay organized and manage your time effectively to balance research with other responsibilities. Finally, remember that persistence is key. Research can be challenging, but resilience will help you succeed.

Christabel Anumenechi | PhD Student | Curriculum & Instruction

Christabel Anumenechi is a first-year PhD student studying Curriculum Studies in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. Her major professor is Dr. Jake Burdick.

Where are you from, and what did you do prior to your PhD program?
I am from Nigeria. I’ve long been in the teaching profession, as my experiences cuts across all level of education in Nigeria. Prior to the PhD program at Purdue, I was working in higher education as a curriculum studies lecturer, and officer in charge of Teaching practice @ Federal College of Education (T) Akoka-Yaba Lagos, Nigeria.

Why did you choose Purdue and your area of concentration?
Firstly, Purdue is an R1 University and I found a faculty member here whose background is in curriculum theory. Basically, the curriculum studies program resonates with my interest. Exploring the cultural, political, and economic dimensions of education, with emphases on social justice, multiculturalism, anti-racism, and international concerns remains my ardor and where my research interest resides.

What are your areas of research interests? What led to your interest in these areas?
I volunteer and partake in public discourses and enlightenment campaign programs, my interest is in inclusive, diversity, equity and quality education to promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. My commitment is to ensuring that these discourses become an integral part of the curriculum, pedagogy, and ethos of teacher education, make substantial contribution by reshaping teacher education programs and as well as accelerate SDGs goal 4 & 5. My research interests are in educational technology, specifically in applying it to special education. My interest in these areas stems from a desire to help students with autism and learning disabilities.

Tell us about your prior research experiences.
My research experiences centers around curriculum generally, teacher and professional development. In 2023 I researched and published a work which chronicles around education, rights, and policies. I looked at the Nigerian Girl Child’s education in the context of cultural curriculum, and Sustainable Development. Recently, I carried out a study (not finalized), towards gender inequalities, looking at the professional development and challenges of female lecturers in Nigerian Higher Education.

Where do you hope to be in five years?
I hope to be starting off my post-doctorate research or becoming an assistant professor, having successfully completed my PhD program, including my dissertation, published research in reputable academic journals, gaining visibility, applying and get research grants and other relative opportunities for international collaboration or global perspective. But overall, my goal is the professorship side of the profession.

What advice do you have for other new fellow graduate student researchers?
Hard work + Obedience + Endurance = Success! Basically I would encourage them to build academic and research skills, network and collaborate, communicate, and improve their personal and professional development to navigate their academic journey more effectively.

Chenchen Lu | PhD  Candidate | Social Studies Education

Chenchen Lu is a fourth-year PhD candidate in social studies education in the Department of Curriculum & Instruction. 

“Before coming to the U.S., I taught high school social studies in Zhejiang, China, where I grew up,” says Chenchen. “My research interests include citizenship education, teacher identity, and inquiry-based learning and teaching in the classroom. I joined this community as a Holmes Scholar in the Spring of 2023.”

Read more about Chenchen Lu