Featured Faculty & Graduate Students
Faculty Research Highlights

Dr. Fay Mentzer | Clinical Assistant Professor, Literacy and Language
Why did you choose a career at Purdue’s College of Education?
I love the progressive and collaborative nature of the elementary education program.
Describe a research or project you have completed.
My research focuses on examining the experiences of preservice teachers within the literacy education program. The aim is to identify strategies to enhance the program’s effectiveness and relevance for these future educators. Additionally, I am exploring methods to foster collaboration and integrate interdisciplinary approaches within the literacy curriculum.
Are there any recent or forthcoming publications you are excited about?
I am continuing to publish research on the experiences of preservice teachers.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not conducting research?
I enjoy spending time outside – hiking or biking– with family, preferably in the mountains.

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.
Featured Graduate Students

Ghan Shyam Joshi | PhD Student | Mathematics Education
Ghan Shyam Joshi is a first year PhD student studying Mathematics Education in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. Ghan’s major professor is Dr. Jill Newton.
Where are you from, and what did you do prior to your PhD program?
Before coming to Purdue, I worked as a Mathematics Lecturer for Cambridge University AS and A-Level Program at GEMS School of Higher Institute in Lalitpur, Nepal. I also served as a Professional Development (PD) consultant at Teach for Nepal and the Council for Math Education in Nepal.
Why did you choose Purdue and your area of concentration?
I chose Purdue University for its strong reputation in research and teaching, as well as the opportunity to work with esteemed faculty members like Professor Jill Newton. The Fredrick N. Andrew Fellowship also provided significant support. My passion lies in advancing research in mathematics education to help improve teaching and learning experiences for both teachers and students.
How did you choose your research interests & what are they?
My research interests include mathematics teaching and learning, AI in math education, ICT-integrated pedagogy, curriculum and resource development, teacher professional development, and mathematical thinking. Coming from Nepal, where quality education resources are limited, I’m driven to contribute to building an AI-ready education system that empowers teachers and students.
Tell us about your prior research experiences.
Yes, I conducted research as part of my master’s degree at Tribhuvan University and my M.Phil. degree at Kathmandu University. My research focused on ICT-integrated mathematics pedagogy. Additionally, I participated in an action research project in collaboration with Kathmandu University, exploring how visualization methods can support students in solving mathematical word problems.
Where do you hope to be in 5 years?
In five years, I aspire to work as an assistant professor or researcher at a leading university, focusing on the professional development and mathematical thinking of mathematics teachers in an AI-driven educational landscape.
What advice do you have for other new fellow graduate student researchers?
There’s no exact formula for success, but hard and smart work is essential. Approach challenges with a growth mindset, set clear goals, stay committed, and don’t hesitate to seek help. Build a strong support network and view every obstacle as an opportunity to grow.

Jiayi (Yvonne) Fang | PhD Student | Social Studies Education
Jiayi (Yvonne) Fang is a PhD student studying Social Studies Education in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. Her major professor is Dr. Chrystal Johnson.
Where are you from, and what did you do prior to your PhD program?
I am from Chengdu, China, the panda’s home. Before starting my PhD, I was an assistant lecturer in a local college.
Why did you choose Purdue and your area of concentration?
Dr. Johnson shares the same research interests in Social Studies Education with me. Additionally, Purdue’s rural environment in West Lafayette, a lovely town, also appeals me.
What are your areas of research interests? What led to your interest in these areas?
I focus on civic education. My grandmother, a teacher, inspired me to pursue this path. A volunteer experience at a Special School during my undergraduate ignited my passion for education. After working for three years as a teacher, I finalized my life goal in the educational field.
Do you have any prior research experience? If so, tell us about it.
I worked as a research assistant on an international project, and now, I am part of a team working on a textbook about children’s games, and it is expected to be completed in 2024.
Where do you hope to be in 5 years?
I want to do a lot of things. I hope to maintain my mental and physical health, and make contributions to my field. Moreover, I will explore fresh experiences I never thought about before, such as writing something for my first newsletters now!
What advice do you have for other new fellow graduate student researchers?
Still getting used to life at Purdue, I find it’s crucial to keep a good sleep schedule. Staying up late and fighting for an essay is fine, but we are running a 4-year marathon!

Rudan Wang | PhD Student | Science Education
Rudan Wang is a PhD student studying Science Education in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. Her major professors are Rebekah Hammack and Hui Hui Wang.
Where are you from, and what did you do prior to your PhD program?
I am from China and and was previously a high school biology teacher.
Why did you choose Purdue and your area of concentration?
Purdue boasts a high global ranking and renowned faculty.
What are your areas of research interests? What led to your interest in these areas?
My research focuses on model-based inquiry to enhance students’ scientific literacy. I am inspired by the curiosity in students’ eyes and their excitement upon discovering scientific truths. Through education, I aim to foster students’ love for biology, promote scientific literacy, and inspire innovations.
Do you have any prior research experience?
Yes, I will focus on the two main topics. The first is the Effects of UV-B radiation on the nutritional and antioxidant quality of alfalfa. The second is Integrating disciplines such as math, chemistry, engineering, and art into biology classrooms through the concept of STEAM.
Where do you hope to be in 5 years?
I aspire to become a researcher with strong critical thinking skills and equipped with a high level of academic expertise.
What advice do you have for other new fellow graduate student researchers?
Exercise your body and enjoy your research!