Graduate Research Spotlights

Where are you from and what did you do prior to your PhD program?
I’m from Kisumu, Kenya. Before starting my PhD, I taught mathematics in high schools in both Kenya and the United States. I also earned my master’s in mathematics and a baccalaureate certificate in statistics from Purdue University Fort Wayne.

Why did you choose Purdue and your area of concentration?
I chose Purdue for its strong research community and supportive faculty in mathematics education. My focus comes from a passion for joining other scholars in making math learning more meaningful and addressing the emotional side of learning; self-efficacy, productive struggle, positive disposition, and math anxiety.

What are your areas of research interests and what led to your interest in these areas?
I’m interested in integrating affective pedagogies like trauma-informed practices, care theory, and social-emotional learning, into secondary mathematics. My interest started from my own teaching experiences, where I saw how much students’ emotions can shape their engagement and success in math.

Do you have any prior research experience?
Yes, I’ve conducted quantitative research on the effects of affective constructs on mathematics achievement using PISA data, and qualitative research exploring the affective constructs instructors use in secondary mathematics methods courses. I have also collaborated on a study examining the connection between preservice teachers’ math teaching anxiety and self-efficacy in STEM education, as well as other collaborative research projects with my advisor and peers. I have presented some of my work at conferences including ICTM, AMTE, PME-NA, and NCTM.

Where do you hope to be in five years?
I see myself as a university faculty member: teaching, mentoring future educators, and continuing research that promotes inclusive and emotionally responsive math teaching.

What advice do you have for other new fellow graduate student researchers?
Stay curious, connect with mentors early, and build your support system. Grad school is intense, but community and self-care make all the difference.

What do you like to do when you need a break from your research?
I enjoy hiking, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.

Where are you from and what did you do prior to your PhD program?
I’m originally from Colombia. I earned my BA in Modern Languages there and then came to Purdue for my MA in Linguistics before starting my PhD.

Why did you choose Purdue and your area of concentration?
A friend of mine was studying at Purdue and encouraged me to apply. At first, I focused on linguistics, but I realized I wanted to move into literacy and language education. What excites me most is being able to do research that connects theory with real classroom practice.

What are your areas of research interest and what led to your interest in these areas?
I’m interested in dual language bilingual education, the science of reading, and language ideologies. Thanks to my advisor and the PILAR team, I had the chance to visit schools and see firsthand the challenges teachers and students face every day. Those experiences really shaped my research focus and showed me how my work can contribute to better understanding and supporting them.

Tell us about any prior research experience.
Before joining PILAR, my main research experience was working on my MA thesis. Since then, I’ve been able to grow so much as a researcher through the projects I’ve been part of.

Where do you hope to be in five years?
I hope to be on the tenure track at a university in the U.S., continuing my work as both a researcher and professor. On a personal note, I hope to be enjoying life with my wife and, hopefully, our future kids.

What advice do you have for other new fellow graduate student researchers?
My advice is to take at least one day each week to step away from academic work and focus on something else. For example, I usually take Saturdays off to recharge. Preserving time for hobbies and rest makes it easier to return to research with fresh energy and helps manage the stress that can build up throughout the week.

What do you like to do when you need a break from your research?
I enjoy spending time with my wife, hanging out with friends, and playing video games.

Where are you from, and what did you do prior to your PhD program?
I am from Turkiye. I worked at a Japanese manufacturing company in Alabama as a Japanese/English (and EN->JP) translator/interpreter after finishing my MA in Japanese Pedagogy at Purdue.

Why did you choose Purdue and your area of concentration?
My academic advisor (Dr. William Watson) is one of the leading scholars in my research topic: personalized learning. This was the main motivation for choosing Purdue for my PhD program in learning design and technology.

What are your areas of research interests? What led to your interest in these areas?
My research area is focused on various dimensions of personalized learning, such as motivation, self-efficacy, attitudinal learning, and self-regulation skills. These constructs are crucial for guiding emerging technologies that aim to support each learner in achieving their maximum potential.

Do you have any prior research experience?
Yes, during my PhD program I have co-authored a publication about a virtual-reality software technical review, and an experimental study focusing on learners’ perceptions of computer assisted feedback in Japanese courses. Research on different topics helped me understand what my focus will be in my near- to mid-term research agenda.

Where do you hope to be in 5 years?
I want to be a successful researcher/faculty member at an R1 university with a tenure track position in a learning design or instructional design program.

What advice do you have for other new fellow graduate student researchers?
I think starting to focus on research and working to publish papers brings a mature researcher mindset. So, I can suggest not waiting until the second half of their program to feel ready. Practicing research prepared me more than my mental preparation did. Do not hesitate to reach out to your advisor, other faculty members (which I truly believe makes us so lucky to have such supportive faculty in the LDT program), or your cohort to initiate a research idea or consult about research.

Where are you from, and what did you do prior to your PhD program?
I was born in Florida but grew up in Southern California. I was accepted to my Ph.D. Program as I was finishing the final year of my undergraduate studies at the University of California, Irvine from which I graduated with dual Bachelor’s degrees in Psychological Science and Social Ecology. 

Why did you choose Purdue and your area of concentration?
I chose Purdue because my advisor’s research interests closely aligned with mine! As I navigated different research experiences as an undergraduate research assistant, I became curious about the clinical side of psychology, working in the community and with clients who have mental health concerns. Thus, a counseling psychology program seemed perfect for me as someone who wanted to do a little bit of both research and clinical work. 

What are your areas of research interests? What led to your interest in these areas? 
Currently, my research interests are family dynamics, parenting, and Asian American mental health. I have been a strong advocate for mental health since high school when I noticed the strong stigma my Vietnamese community had towards those struggling with their mental health. Relatedly, there is often a lack of familial support when individuals speak about their experiences. As I became more involved in community mental health advocacy, I decided I wanted to be on the helping side—to increase mental health literacy, understanding, and support. 

Do you have any prior research experience? If so, tell us about it.
My research experiences span child development, health psychology, and mental health, as I worked in several labs as an undergraduate student. During this time, I presented posters at conferences and symposia and was fortunate enough to conduct an honors thesis project, for which I received several awards. 

Where do you hope to be in 5 years? 
In 5 years, I hope to be working in a hospital or community mental health clinic! I aspire to become a child psychologist, working with children and their families. 

What advice do you have for other new fellow graduate student researchers?
For other new fellow graduate student researchers, I advise you to find time for self-care! Even if it’s just a small bedtime routine. 

Where are you from, and what did you do prior to your PhD program?
I am from Indonesia. Before starting my PhD program, I worked as a lecturer at Universitas Negeri Surabaya, a university in Indonesia specializing in education, since 2019. 

Why did you choose Purdue and your area of concentration?
I chose Purdue University because this university is one of the top universities in the USA and has many of the best quality professors both in the college and within my department. I selected mathematics education as my concentration because I am a lecturer in the mathematics education department in my home university. 

What are your areas of research interests? What led to your interest in these areas?
My research interests lie in mathematical modelling, STEM education, and technology. I earned my bachelor’s degree in mathematics education, during which I conducted research on problem-based learning to enhance problem-solving skills. For my master’s degree in mathematics education, I focused on the Rigorous Mathematical Thinking (RMT) approach to foster creative and critical thinking. Simultaneously, I completed a master’s degree in applied mathematics, where I conducted research on mathematical modelling of the immune response to the dengue virus using the SEIR model. 

These experiences have shaped my current research focus on mathematical modelling in education. I firmly believe that mathematical modelling should be taught at all levels of education, as it plays a crucial role in making mathematics more relatable, accessible, and meaningful to students. 

Do you have any prior research experience? If so, tell us about it.
Yes, I do. My latest research focuses on mathematical modelling in the context of a mudflow disaster. I chose this context because it is closely related to my preservice teachers, many of whom live near the affected area. In this study, I examine students’ mathematical modelling competencies as they engage with modelling tasks. 

Where do you hope to be in 5 years?
In five years, I hope to be a faculty member who is an independent researcher with a strong research background, a solid record of publications, and well-established international collaborations. 

What advice do you have for other new fellow graduate student researchers?
To my fellow new graduate student researchers, let’s embrace and enjoy our PhD journey with enthusiasm. Stay motivated and make the most of the valuable insights and opportunities this university has to offer!

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 US. 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

Do you have any prior research experience? If so, tell us about it.
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.

Where are you from, and what did you do prior to your PhD program?
I am originally from Ghana. Before my PhD, I earned a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood from the University of Education Winneba in Ghana and a Master of Science in Special Education at Purdue University. I then worked as an instructor and practicum coordinator at NorQuest College in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, focusing on Disability Studies and Early Learning and Childcare.

Why did you choose Purdue and your area of concentration?
Purdue’s strong research focus and commitment to inclusive education drew me in. I am passionate about supporting students with disabilities and preparing educators to foster inclusive classrooms.

What are your areas of research interests? What led to your interest in these areas?
My research focuses on creativity in preschoolers with and without speech disorders, as well as best practices for English learners with disabilities. My background in early childhood education and my commitment to equity in learning experiences inspired these interests.

Tell us about your prior research experience.
Yes, I have published research and presented it at national and international conferences. My work includes systematic reviews, book chapter and empirical studies on creativity in children with disabilities, teacher-student relationships, English language learners and special education practices.

Where do you hope to be in 5 years?
I hope to be a faculty member in higher education, leading impactful research and advocating for inclusive educational policies.

What advice do you have for other new fellow graduate student researchers?
Build a strong support network, seek mentorship, and embrace collaboration. Stay curious and persistent. Research is a journey, so celebrate small wins along the way!

Where are you from, and what did you do prior to your PhD program?
I am from Brazil. Before coming to Purdue, I graduated from college in Biological Sciences with a license to teach. I taught gifted students for a couple of years until I got a graduate certificate in Special Education and a master’s degree in Science Teaching. I started to work in higher education as a lecturer on a few teacher preparation courses.

Why did you choose Purdue and your area of concentration?
Purdue has one of the best graduate programs in United States with a focus on Gifted Education. In addition to that, the Gifted Research and Resource Institute (GER2I) that offers enrichment programs for gifted students is world renowned. I met my current advisor in an international gifted conference in Brazil and was amazed to learn about all the great things that GER2I programs offer to students who are gifted and talented. That solidified my decision to apply for a PhD at Purdue.

What are your areas of research interests? What led to your interest in these areas?
My research interests are gifted underachievers and the socioemotional needs of gifted students. These interests started when I was a gifted teacher and witnessed many of my most brilliant students been held back in their performance because of social or emotional reasons, and I felt that I had to do something to help.

What is your prior research experience?
My first research experience was as an undergraduate Fulbright scholar at Arizona State University. I researched teachers’ level of readiness to teach gifted students in university-based summer programs as well as students’ career interests after program participation. Since then, I have done qualitative research in gifted and special education, mostly analyzing the effectiveness of curriculum strategies for gifted students and also for visually impaired students.

Where do you hope to be in five years?
In five years I hope to be a clinical assistant professor to prepare future teachers to develop the best practices to teach all students, respecting their individual needs and helping them to excel in their academic and social performance. I would also like to keep involved with enrichment programs for gifted students in academic or management positions.

What advice do you have for other new fellow graduate student researchers?
Graduate school is a place to learn, so don’t hold too tightly your previous experiences, but make sure you give yourself space to keep learning and moving forward in your career facing new challenges and experiences. Make sure you explore the opportunities that appear to you and make the best use of them to diversify your possibilities.

Where are you from and what did you do prior to your PhD program?
I grew up in northeast Indiana, near Fort Wayne. Before the start of my Ph.D., I taught music (e.g., Band, Orchestra, Choir, and General Music) at the middle and high school levels, and I was an adjunct professor at a small university in Mishawaka, Indiana. I’ve also had the privilege of teaching in three different states (Indiana, Colorado, and Arizona) and seeing many of my students get accepted to colleges and universities around the country (a few even went to Purdue.)

Why did you choose Purdue and your area of concentration?
While completing my second master’s in Learning Design and Technology here at Purdue, I also applied for a Fulbright scholarship to study at King’s College in London (a rather challenging Fulbright scholarship to get) and work on my PhD there. During this process, I chatted with Dr. Lowell about what I would like to focus my research on while working on my PhD. After our discussions, she felt that if I didn’t get the Fulbright to Kings College, Purdue would be a great place for me. I finished my master’s, did not get the Fulbright, and applied here. The last year and a half have been amazing; I get to work with fantastic faculty and students! I am so grateful I was accepted and given this opportunity.

What are your areas of research interests? What led to your interest in these areas?
My interest in teacher professional development (TPD) developed before starting my second master’s degree at Purdue. I began to look at the teacher professional development the music education world constantly relied on to advance teacher education. (It primarily relied on hiring a consultant or going to conferences.) Most of the content was geared toward improving the scores for the state-level tests, but it had nothing to do with improving how teachers effectively educated their students. At the same time, this TPD had little to no relation to the related arts teachers. I wanted to gain a better understanding of how to develop TPD, ensure it was effective, and learn how to create accessible PDs for music teachers anywhere (urban/rural/internationally).

What is your prior research experience?
I am not a published author, but I have participated in multiple music education studies and even helped collect qualitative data for some studies.

Where do you hope to be in 5 years?
I hope to graduate with my PhD and work as a professor at the collegiate level. I would like to find a job that combines LDT and Music. It might also be nice to find a place that is further West.

What advice do you have for other new fellow graduate student researchers?
Self-care is important. Yes, working on research papers, getting published, and being a good student are essential while studying here at Purdue. But you need to find time for yourself and have fun. You’re alive – might as well enjoy it!

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.

Where are you from, and what did you do prior to your PhD program?
I’m from China. Before pursuing my PhD program, I served as a visiting scholar at Indiana University in Indianapolis, where I taught the Chinese language.

Why did you choose Purdue and your area of concentration?
I chose Purdue University because of its global reputation for excellence, renowned scholars, and rigorous programs. I also heard great things about Purdue while working at Indiana University in Indianapolis. I wanted to pursue research that connects college students and society within a broader context. The Higher Education program aligns perfectly with my aspirations. My area of focus is higher education law, policy, and finance.

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 chose my life goal in the educational field.

What is your prior research experience?
My research interests include federal and state laws impacting college students’ decision-making and success, as well as the design and effectiveness of government financial programs. I chose these areas because I observed a paradox: policies and financial aid programs do not always achieve the intended outcomes. Through my research, I aim to advise policymakers on the true impact of their efforts, ensuring they benefit the target population and minimize resource waste.

Where do you hope to be in 5 years?
I aspire to become a faculty member and an independent scholar, leading my own projects and securing grants. Additionally, I aim to equip myself with the skills and knowledge to effectively navigate the challenges that arise in both my career and personal life.

What advice do you have for other new fellow graduate student researchers?
I encourage new graduate student researchers to engage extensively with advisors, professors, and peers to gain valuable insights. With so many brilliant individuals at Purdue, there is much to learn and ample potential for collaboration.

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!

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.

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.

Where are you from, and what did you do prior to your PhD program?
I am from China. Before starting my PhD, I earned my Bachelor’s degree from Soochow University and my Master’s degree from Tongji University.

Why did you choose Purdue and your area of concentration?
I chose Purdue because it is an internationally renowned university with rich academic resources. My focus is on special education, particularly using technology to support students with autism and learning disabilities.

What are your areas of research interests? What led to your interest in these areas?
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 experience?
Yes, my previous research has centered on educational technology, exploring how it can enhance learning experiences for students.

Where do you hope to be in five years?
In 5 years, I hope to be in Indiana, successfully working toward completing my degree in the United States.

What advice do you have for other new fellow graduate student researchers?
Take full advantage of the resources at Purdue and stay focused on your research goals.

Where are you from and what did you do prior to your PhD program?
I have a diverse professional background, including experience as a German-Chinese interpreter and translator in both Shanghai and Singapore. Subsequently, I have worked as a Chinese language teacher in both Singapore and Syracuse, NY. Prior to my doctoral study, I have worked as a TA in the Fayetteville-Manlius School District in Syracuse, NY.

Why did you choose Purdue and your area of concentration?
I selected Purdue as the institution for my doctoral study due to its reputation as a leader in the field of education. The GER2I in the College of Education at Purdue has earned a reputable status in the realm of gifted education worldwide. The faculty consists of renowned scholars who possess extensive knowledge and experience in the field. Additionally, my advisor’s research aligns with my personal research interests. Lastly, the diverse cultural atmosphere among the international student body at Purdue provides a source of inspiration for me.

What are your areas of research interest? What led to your interest in these areas?
My research encompass a range of topics, including the study of creativity and related topics, examination of social-emotional issues affecting gifted adolescents, exploration of alternative identification methods that do not rely on IQ or other cognitive assessments, and investigation of underachievement among gifted female students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. My passion for the field of gifted education was fostered while serving as a Chinese language teacher in Singapore. During that time, I had the opportunity to work closely with gifted students and became aware of their unique academic and social-emotional needs. I observed that some of these gifted students were at risk due to a lack of appropriate educational support. This experience motivated me to further explore the needs of gifted students and seek ways to help them reach their full potential and make meaningful contribution to society.

What have been the highlights of your research experience so far?
As a novice in the field of gifted education, I have been actively working on several research projects that align with my research interests. My current projects include exploring underachievement among gifted female students from financially impacted families in the aftermath of the pandemic, examining the potential social-emotional impact of the pandemic on gifted adolescents, and investigating gifted students’ perspectives on the influence of ChatGPT and other AI applications. I hope that my research will make a dent in the field, no matter how small.

Where do you hope to be in five years?
In five years, I see myself as a tenure-track assistant professor at a leading research university, where I can continue to advance the field of gifted education through my research, teaching, and engagement. My goal is to make a meaningful impact on the lives of gifted individuals and the broader community through my dedication and commitment to this field.

What advice do you have for your fellow graduate student researchers?
I would like to share a valuable lesson that I have learned from my advisor with my fellow graduate student researchers. It is utmost important to maintain a balanced work-life equilibrium and to prioritize one’s commitments. It is essential to constantly reflect on what truly holds significance in one’s life, and to allocate one’s time and resources accordingly. By doing so, one can cultivate a harmonious and fulfilling existence, both professionally and personally.

Where are you from and what did you do prior to your PhD program?
I completed my master’s degree at Bogazici University in Turkey. I am from Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago with over 17,000 islands (including Bali!), as well as more than 700 local languages. Before coming to Purdue, I was an assistant professor in the Faculty of Psychology at Universitas Indonesia and also worked as a psychologist at Apshara Talent Development Center. My academic background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology, both earned at the same university.

Why did you choose Purdue and your area of concentration?
I chose Purdue University because of my longstanding interest in the field of Gifted Education, dating back to 2013 when I was just a sophomore. During that time, I became aware of Purdue University’s Gifted Education Research and Resource Institute (GER2I), which is renowned as the world’s leading institution for studying and researching this topic. However, I didn’t immediately plan to pursue a long-term career in this field, as I was still quite young and busy exploring my interests and the available opportunities. Fast forward to after I graduated with my master’s degree and began practicing as a school psychologist, I found myself frequently working with clients who exhibited certain tendencies and characteristics similar to those of gifted children. These clients quickly became my favorites to work with. Interestingly, many of them had grown into accomplished individuals, challenging my previous perception of gifted individuals as predominantly children. Moreover, during my time as a lecturer teaching undergraduate students, I began to notice students with high academic and leadership potential who required a different approach to help them reach their full potential. All of these experiences rekindled my genuine interest in gifted education from many years ago. When the opportunity arose to secure a Fulbright Scholarship and a Ross Fellowship for enrollment in a Ph.D. program in the United States, I enthusiastically chose Purdue University to work at GER2I and gain a deeper understanding of this phenomenon.

What are your areas of research interest? What led to your interest in these areas?
Within the field of gifted education, my research interest lies in the interplay between creativity and emotionality. I firmly believe that what distinguishes humans from other living beings is the way we channel and modulate our emotions, as well as how we harness our creativity to solve problems, whether they are simple or complex. This topic becomes even more captivating for me when I can explore it alongside high-ability students, as they possess intense emotionality and high levels of creativity. Often, people tend to perceive gifted or high-ability students solely from an academic perspective. However, I firmly believe that much more should be investigated regarding their creativity in various other domains as well. I anticipate that the insights gained from this research will prove to be valuable in fostering creativity among all students.

What have been the highlights of your research experience so far?
I have been working on a meta-analysis study alongside my advisor, Dr. Nielsen Pereira, who is also the Director of GER2I. Our study focuses on factors behind creativity in gifted education. In these early stages of the project, I have observed that numerous factors play a role in either fostering or hindering creativity. It has become increasingly intriguing to me to understand how to nurture creativity, particularly in high-ability students. Additionally, I am involved in another study that explores the creative teaching practices of Indonesian teachers and their perspectives on high-ability students. My advisor has also engaged me as a research assistant in a STEM talent development program, which is one of the Javits grant projects at GER2I. This role has provided valuable insights into the U.S. education system and the practical implementation of talent development in education.

Where do you hope to be in five years?
My plan is to return to the same institutions where I was previously employed, as I am technically still their employee (with a conditional study permit to the U.S.). Therefore, I will be heading back to Indonesia to continue my journey as a lecturer in the Faculty of Psychology at Universitas Indonesia and as a psychologist at the Apshara Talent Development Center. Given that Indonesia does not yet formally recognize the field of gifted education, and I am the first person from my country to specialize in this field, I hope to initiate the delivery of educational services to assist students in need and engage in further research on this topic.

What advice do you have for your fellow graduate student researchers?
Many of my colleagues have shared with me the advice that graduate students should develop a deep affection for their research topic. Similar to falling in love, this entails commitment and dedication, rather than a fleeting infatuation. It won’t be easy, but the effort is undoubtedly worthwhile, and the journey itself is a source of joy. So, I want to pass on their message to all of you as well. Additionally, remember to express gratitude for your current position while remaining mindful of your aspirations for the future.

Where are you from and what did you do prior to your PhD program?
I’m from NJ. I graduated from Rutgers University-Newark in 2019 with undergraduate degrees in psychology and cognitive neuroscience.

Why did you choose Purdue and your area of concentration?
I chose Purdue because I liked my advisor and the resources that the institution has to offer.

What are your areas of research interest? What led to your interest in these areas?
I am interested in how psychological variables are expressed differently in people of color and how to best capture this with quantitative measures in research and clinical settings. As a scientist-practitioner, my clinical work in neuropsychology has inspired my work in this area.

What have been the highlights of your research experience so far?
I am developing and validating a culturally-informed scale to measure impostor phenomenon in Black college students. It’s been pretty cool reviewing the findings.

Where do you hope to be in five years?
I expect to be a licensed clinical neuropsychologist prepping for my board-certification!

What advice do you have for your fellow graduate student researchers?
Don’t bite off more than you can chew. You have your whole academic career to pursue amazing research projects. Make sure that your thesis is manageable so you can graduate in a timely fashion.

Where are you from and what did you do prior to your PhD program?
Turkey, I completed my master’s degree at Boğaziçi  University.

Why did you choose Purdue and your area of concentration? 
Purdue is great for Engineering Education and studying the integration of science and engineering.

What are your areas of research interest? What led to your interest in these areas?
I am developing curriculum for middle school students. I was interested in K-12 outreach for underrepresented communities, then I started creating curriculum targeting students from diverse backgrounds.

What have been the highlights of your research experience so far?
I have developed several quantum based science curricula for middle school students studying in public Indiana schools. My research significantly provides public awareness of fundamental quantum concepts and training for in-service teachers to think of science as a field outside of the box through the wacky and wild aspects of the quantum world. Also, my dissertation research findings highlight the significant improvement of students’ understanding of quantum after they are taught a week-long curriculum unit.

Where do you hope to be in five years? 
I would like to be a successful teacher trainer who specifically contributes to the learning of diverse groups of students, mostly focusing students with special needs in science.

What advice do you have for your fellow graduate student researchers?
They should do what they love and have passion to do it. Purdue is a great school to do a PhD.

How would you briefly describe your area of research?
My areas of research include socioemotional well-being of gifted individuals, parenting in the context of profound giftedness, and barriers to sustainable access to academic opportunities for gifted students from diverse backgrounds. My experience as an educator and parent of gifted students led to my research interests.

What has been your research experience so far?
My research experience so far has been getting to work with leaders in my field who are passionate, collaborative, and mission driven.

Why did you choose the College of Education at Purdue University?
I was excited to be a postdoctoral research associate on the U.S. Department of Education, Jacob K. Javits grant funded project entitled, “Having Hope Promotes Excellence: Developing Scholar Identities among Underserved Youth with Gifts and Talents” led by Dr. Kristen Seward. My area of concentration is giftedness, creativity, and talent development.

What do you hope to be doing in 5 years?
I hope to continue to be a part of the mission of making gifted education equitable and accessible and to aid in the well-being of gifted individuals and their families.

Where are you from and what did you do prior to your PhD program?
I’m from Taiwan and was an information technology teacher and web developer before coming to Purdue.

Why did you choose Purdue and your area of concentration?
Purdue is a great institution with outstanding faculties and researchers! You might not believe it, but I also chose Purdue because of the weather here!

What are your areas of research interest? What led to your interest in these areas?
My research interest falls into graduate students’ emotions, well-being, and learning experience. This all started during my master’s study in reading emotion and experience.

What have been the highlights of your research experience so far?
Even though my research journey just started, it has been an amazing year meeting all the talented people and learning new things every day!

Where do you hope to be in five years?
I hope I will earn my doctoral degree in 5 years and be on the path to becoming a postdoctoral researcher or even working as a professor!

What advice do you have for your fellow graduate student researchers?
I would advise them not to push themselves too hard, and it’s important to take time off!

How would you briefly describe a research or project agenda you have completed?
I’ve recently collaborated with colleagues from Montana State University, Penn State University, Purdue University, and Drake University to make significant contributions to the field of elementary education research. We have submitted proposals to both the AERA and NARST annual meetings, as well as a paper to the International Journal of STEM Education. My recent research agenda focuses on community-based engineering education in elementary schools with a particular emphasis on marginalized, rural, and Indigenous communities. Additionally, my recent submissions investigate integrated STEM education and how elementary teachers incorporate programming and robotics into mathematics through the use of argumentation and inquiry.

What are you currently working on or plan to work on?
I am currently involved in one NiH-funded and two NSF-funded research projects. The NiH project aims to boost STEM/bioscience career interest among underrepresented middle school students and enhance the science outreach skills of university students in biomedical fields. One NSF-funded project examines factors influencing teacher change and the long-term sustainability of science and engineering teaching support in grades 3-5. The final NSF-funded project supports rural and indigenous elementary teachers in designing and implementing place-based engineering activities to promote awareness, interest, and readiness for engineering careers among 3rd – 5th graders. Currently, I am collecting and analyzing data and preparing manuscripts for these projects.

Are there any recent or forthcoming publications you are excited about?
I am really excited about an upcoming publication we are currently working on. In this piece, our goal is to delve into the experiences of Indigenous students participating in community-based engineering lessons and the experiences of Indigenous teachers implementing community-based engineering in their elementary school located on a reservation area.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not conducting research?
I enjoy watching independent movies with my husband and our friends. I like hiking, gardening, and visiting Turkey to see my friends and family there.

Where are you from and what did you do prior to your PhD program?
I live in Valparaiso Indiana with my family. Originally, I am from Romania, but I am proud to be an American citizen too. Prior to PhD I taught college courses at Purdue Northwest and Ivy Tech.

Why did you choose Purdue and your area of concentration?
I chose Purdue West Lafayette because I finished my master’s at Purdue Northwest, and I wanted to continue my education and eventually pursue a PhD in mathematics education. I was confident that the same high level of instruction would be provided at Purdue West Lafayette, which was demonstrated across the years of attending courses and learning about research.

What are your areas of research interest? What led to your interest in these areas?
My research areas intertwine care theory, curricular decisions, cognitive equity, and teacher’s classroom practices with a focus on eliciting students’ thinking through questioning. These interests originate from my identity as a mathematics teacher in both countries, Romania and the United States. Regardless of the country, there are lots of resources that teachers analyze before making curricular decisions to respond equitably to the students’ cognition. My research focuses mostly on teachers but also includes indirectly the students through teachers’ eyes and reasoning about them.

What have been the highlights of your research experience so far?
My research experience was possible thanks to my professors, Dr. Signe Kastberg, Dr. Laura Bofferding, Dr. Rachel Kenney and Dr. Elizabeth Suazo-Flores with whom I have collaborated and published research.

Where do you hope to be in five years?
Mostly I am thinking about the present time and what I want to accomplish in the near future. When I think from a macro-perspective, I always picture myself as part of the mathematics research community because I strive to learn from other researchers new ideas and offer my scholarship as well.

What advice do you have for your fellow graduate student researchers?
The research ideas are infinitely many. There is always something that can be developed whether it is novel research or a replicated study. Identifying a research focus might take some time, but that’s because we need to learn first how to step on giants’ leaps.

Where are you from and what did you do prior to your PhD program?
I hail from Nigeria, and before embarking on my PhD program at Purdue, my journey was deeply rooted in the field of education, specifically physics education. For seven years, I served as a physics educator, teaching using both the British and Nigerian curricula. In addition to my classroom endeavors, I have been a fervent advocate for technology-enhanced active learning. Furthermore, I am passionate about preserving and celebrating indigenous languages in the teaching and learning of the sciences in Nigeria.

Why did you choose Purdue and your area of concentration?
My decision to join Purdue University and pursue my area of concentration was driven by a combination of factors that align with my educational background and aspirations. Purdue’s renowned reputation in research and its commitment to diversity were significant draws for me.

What are your areas of research interest? What led to your interest in these areas?
My primary areas of research interest revolve around the intersection of motivation, STEM education, and informal physics engagement. These interests have been shaped by a profound passion for addressing critical challenges in education and fostering a deeper understanding of how individuals engage with science and technology.

What have been the highlights of your research experience so far?
My involvement in the ‘Physics is Fun’ project and collaboration with our community partner, Imagination Station, Lafayette, have provided invaluable experiences. These experiences have equipped me with a diverse skill set, including the ability to model real-world situations, analyze needs, collaborate with subject matter experts, cultivate partnerships, adapt to evolving circumstances, prioritize feedback, design instructional materials, and effectively lead a team of over 10 volunteers.

Where do you hope to be in five years?
In five years, my aspirations are two-fold. Firstly, I aim to foster more meaningful partnerships and expand my professional networks, not only to enrich my own knowledge but also to contribute to collaborative endeavors. Secondly, I envision myself in the process of establishing my own institute dedicated to STEM exploration and resource development in my home country. This institution would serve as a hub for knowledge dissemination, innovation, and empowerment within the STEM field.

What advice do you have for your fellow graduate student researchers?
My advice to my colleagues and fellow graduate students is to find joy in the journey. Embrace the process of research, for it is where we truly learn and grow. Additionally, consider taking advantage of volunteering opportunities; this is where the theoretical knowledge we acquire in our studies can be put into practical use. It’s at this intersection of theory and practice that we truly enrich our understanding and make a meaningful impact. I wish you all success and fulfillment in your research endeavors!

Where are you from and what did you do prior to your PhD program?
I am originally from Ghana. I was an instructor for Disability Studies and Early Learning and Childcare and a Disability Studies Practicum Coordinator for students and student-teachers at Norquest College of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Why did you choose Purdue and your area of concentration?
I graduated with my master’s degree here at Purdue University a few years ago and I am returning to pursue a doctorate program in special education because of the university’s tradition, beauty, and academic reputation. I am back to the College of Education due to the highly relevant, theme-based curriculum, the exceptional quality of the professors, leadership opportunities, and the diverse student population that is characteristic of Purdue University. The professors combine excellent educational materials with effective teaching methods in the university’s state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities.

What are your areas of research interest? What led to your interest in these areas?
I am interested in best practices & instructional strategies for English learners with disabilities, and I am also looking into teacher training for nurturing creativity in English learners with disabilities. I chose this research interest to address the critical need for effective educational approaches that cater to the unique needs of English learners with disabilities, ensuring inclusive and equitable learning experiences. Also to explore teacher training for nurturing creativity in this specific demographic can contribute to more holistic and empowering educational practices.

What have been the highlights of your research experience so far?
So far, the standout aspects of my research experience have been the exceptional support I’ve received from my academic advisor, Dr. Smith, and the valuable guidance provided by my preliminary committee.

Where do you hope to be in five years?
My hope is to complete my doctoral program and secure a Special Education faculty position in a highly-ranked university in the United States. I also plan to conduct and publish at least one to two scholarly articles annually, present research findings at local and national conferences, mentor other students and be a curriculum developer. My goal is to impact pre-service educators’ education to help them grow intellectually and prepare for a professional career.

What advice do you have for your fellow graduate student researchers?
Graduate student researchers should prioritize organization, clear goal-setting, and effective time management to succeed in their academic pursuits. Seeking feedback, networking, and collaboration can enrich their work, while staying informed through literature review and maintaining a healthy work-life balance are equally important. Flexibility, self-care, and ethical conduct should guide their research endeavors, alongside regular writing and celebrating milestones. Perseverance, curiosity, and resource utilization are keys to a successful research journey, with the understanding that perfection is not the ultimate goal. Embracing the unique challenges and learning experiences of graduate research is essential, and seeking guidance and support when necessary is encouraged.

Where are you from and what did you do prior to your PhD program?
Born & raised in Indiana – live in West Lafayette. I was a secondary math teacher for 10 years in a variety of schools in California & Indiana.

Why did you choose Purdue and your area of concentration?
I work for the College of Education – Indiana GEAR UP grant. We support 8000 students from 9 underserved communities in Indiana with tutoring, afterschool & summer STEM programming, college & career support, and teacher training.
I like the focus on equity & inclusion in the Curriculum Studies program in the Purdue COE, and with my GEAR UP work based in STEM education. It’s a perfect combination for my research interests.

What are your areas of research interest? What led to your interest in these areas?
I would like to understand the benefits of STEM education integrated into mathematics curriculum in underserved schools across Indiana and learn more about the experiences of teachers and students who participate in STEM programming.

What have been the highlights of your research experience so far?
I have enjoyed interviewing principals from schools in underserved communities. I have learned about the changing priorities and needs for public schools during, before, and after the Covid-19 pandemic and how it’s specifically affected students and teachers. I look forward to learning more about teachers’ and students’ experiences with STEM education and if STEM integration can be a liberatory experience for their schools and communities.

Where do you hope to be in five years?
In 5 years, I hope to be continuing to support Indiana GEAR UP students and teachers across the state and have completed my PhD.

What advice do you have for your fellow graduate student researchers?
My advice would be to slow down in the whole process and say yes to building experiences in research and presenting at and attending conferences instead of just completing classes and credits as fast as possible to get to the end of the process.

Where are you from and what did you do prior to your PhD program?
I was born in North Carolina, lived in Missouri for several years, and then went to undergrad at the College of Wooster in Ohio. Here I majored in Psychology with a minor in Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies and graduated in May of 2022 with my Bachelor’s degree.

Why did you choose Purdue and your area of concentration?
My undergraduate advisor also attended Purdue for her PhD and inspired me to apply here; further, the Counseling Psychology program seemed rigorous and appeared to have a strong community.

What are your areas of research interest? What led to your interest in these areas?
Currently, my research focuses on improving mental health care for trans clients, particularly those with intersectionally marginalized identities. I am currently developing a conceptual framework based on client perspectives to guide practitioners’ work with this population. My own belonging in the queer community and my observations of the paucity of research on mental health care with this population led me to choose this as my research focus.

What have been the highlights of your research experience so far?
Presenting on my developing conceptual model at APA 2023 and connecting with those interested in the area afterwards were very rewarding in showing me that this work is needed and relevant.

Where do you hope to be in five years?
In five years, I hope to have just completed my dissertation and clinical internship and to have graduated from Purdue with my PhD. At that point, my goal is to apply to and work in a postdoc fellowship for a year to accrue more supervision hours in order to obtain my license as a psychologist and eventually have my own private practice.

What advice do you have for your fellow graduate student researchers?
At this point in my graduate career, I am fortunate to have homed in on a research area that is both interesting to me and highly relevant currently to the field. Thus, my main piece of advice to other graduate researchers is to give yourself time early on in grad school to identify areas and topics that actually genuinely get you excited and you feel that you could do sustainable work on. The work will be more rewarding this way!

Where are you from and what did you do prior to your PhD program?
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I graduated with my bachelor’s from Purdue in 2018; worked at an engineering firm in Indianapolis until Fall of 2020; while working at the firm, I went back for my Master’s at Purdue from 2019-2021; graduated in 2021 with my Master’s and began the PhD program in fall of 2021. I am anticipating a May 2024 graduate date!

Why did you choose Purdue and your area of concentration?
I decided to stay at Purdue because I really liked my advisor and I appreciates how she is very helpful and pushes me to work hard and try as best as I can to become a good researcher and future faculty member. I was also presented with many great opportunities of being a graduate researcher, becoming a teaching assistant for the biology education courses, as well as becoming a graduate assistant with the Academic Success Center here on campus.

What are your areas of research interest? What led to your interest in these areas?
I am interested in culturally relevant learning and teaching within secondary education environmental science classrooms. Since my background is within environmental science and my higher ed focus is on education, I wanted to find a way to combine the two so I can use my obtained skills from each program to contribute to equitable science learning.

What have been the highlights of your research experience so far?
Being on various research teams and gaining experience in both qualitative and quantitative research methods. I also have experienced the beginning stages and processes of starting a research project, as well as being a part of the grant writing for a project.

Where do you hope to be in five years?
In five years, I hope to be a faculty member (professor) at a university where I can continue on with my research endeavors, but also have the opportunity to teach classes as well.

What advice do you have for your fellow graduate student researchers?
Take advantage of any and all opportunities being presented to you. It not only helps with networking, but it also helps make you a well-rounded researcher, educator, and person!

Where are you from and what did you do prior to your PhD program?
I am from Iran, and I have taught English to ELLs from a variety of native languages and cultures for almost 11 years. I also did my Master’s and Bachelor’s back in Iran in English Teaching and have been busy doing research studies on Language learning, teaching, and teacher education.

Why did you choose Purdue and your area of concentration?
I chose Purdue University for my doctoral studies because it is nationally and internationally ranked amongst the top 50 institutions in my major. Additionally, Purdue allows students to explore different departments and programs, fostering an individualized perspective and contributing to the field in unique ways. The faculty’s expertise in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, particularly in areas like Language and Literacy Studies and Educational Equity, aligns well with my research interests.

What are your areas of research interest? What led to your interest in these areas?
My research interests encompass Teachers Education, Belief, and Cognition; Language Testing and Assessment; Global (Language) Assessment Policies; Educational Reform, and Language and Culture. These interests have developed from my experiences as an educator and my curiosity about various aspects of language education. For instance, I became interested in the impact of online language classes on learners’ anxiety and motivation during the pandemic, leading to a research paper on the subject. I’ve also been intrigued by the fairness of high-stake language tests and the need for more customized assessments for different majors and disciplines.

What have been the highlights of your research experience so far?
One of the highlights of my research experience was collaborating with Professor Sharifian from Monash University, Australia, on a cultural paper. It was a unique opportunity that arose from my determination and curiosity. Additionally, conducting research on the impact of online language classes during the pandemic and exploring factors affecting successful language learning have been rewarding experiences.

Where do you hope to be in five years?
In five years, I aim to have completed my doctoral degree and established myself as a language-assessment specialist. I aspire to work with organizations like IDP or ETS, where I can contribute to the development of fair and discipline-specific language-assessment tests. Ultimately, I want to work with students from diverse backgrounds to improve global education through a more accurate understanding of learning and assessment.

What advice do you have for your fellow graduate student researchers?
My advice to fellow graduate student researchers is to remain curious, ambitious, and passionate about your area of study. Seek out opportunities to collaborate with experts in your field and explore diverse research topics. Don’t limit yourself to theory; combine theory and practice to make a meaningful impact in your chosen field. Additionally, be open to interdisciplinary perspectives, as they can enrich your research and contribute to innovative solutions. Finally, be persistent and dedicated in pursuing your academic and career goals, as hard work and determination can lead to success.

Where are you from and what did you do prior to your PhD program?
I am originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, but spent 6 years in Austin, TX and 4 years in Chicago prior to coming to Purdue. Before I started my Ph.D. program I was a special education teacher for students with extensive support needs in public schools. I also spent three years as a district-wide behavior specialist for Chicago Public Schools.

Why did you choose Purdue and your area of concentration?
I chose Purdue primarily because of my advisor’s (Dr. Rose Mason) research interests, particularly around training special education teachers to coach paraeducators to use evidence-based practices. I also chose Purdue because of funding available through a fellowship with the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs. I am a recipient of the CO-LEAD fellowship: Collaboration across universities of Leaders in Evidence-Based Practices, Autism, and Diversity.

What are your areas of research interest? What led to your interest in these areas?
Through a participatory action research approach, my research seeks to support schools in evaluating systems-wide and individual variables that (do or do not) predict, support, and sustain implementation of evidence-based behavioral interventions by school-based staff. Using principles of implementation science and organizational behavior management, my research supports school-based professionals in assessing and intervening with challenging behavior at the school-wide, class-wide and individualized levels.
My personal experiences as a special education teacher and district-wide behavior analyst are what led to my research interests. I realized that it’s not enough to know about evidence-based practices; they must be implemented to fidelity in schools for students to benefit.

What have been the highlights of your research experience so far?
The highlight of my research experience so far has been engaging in participatory action research with an elementary school for the last three years. With school administrators and teachers as co-researchers, we have conducted a program evaluation, piloted a new tier I behavior intervention, and scaled-up implementation of the behavior intervention school-wide. Being actively engaged in a school-university research partnership is mutually beneficial and rewarding for both the school and me as an early career researcher.

Where do you hope to be in five years?
I hope to be in a tenure-track faculty position at an R1 university. Ideally, I would be engaged in long-term community-based participatory research with local schools and districts to support their use of evidence-based behavioral interventions.

What advice do you have for your fellow graduate student researchers?
Relationships are key. Take the time (and it takes a lot of time!!) to build solid relationships with stakeholders and listen to their needs and desires. Follow their lead, even if it takes longer than you want, or shifts a direction you are less interested in. Building relationships is foundational to being a successful educational researcher.

Where are you from and what did you do prior to your PhD program?
I grew up in the Chicago suburbs and earned my B.A. from Beloit College in Wisconsin. After graduating, I moved to Taipei, Taiwan to teach at an English-immersion kindergarten. I then continued my international employment by moving to Namyangju, South Korea the following year to teach at a K-5 school.

Why did you choose Purdue and your area of concentration?
I chose a degree in counseling psychology because I value a strengths-based and multicultural approach to mental health. I also appreciate that my degree prepares me to engage with clinical work, teaching, research, and outreach. Being involved at different levels of institutions has provided me insight regarding how to make change through a systems approach. I chose to attend Purdue as I believe the faculty and students within my program share my values of social justice and advocacy.

What are your areas of research interest? What led to your interest in these areas?
Speaking broadly, my research program aims to explore strengths-based interventions and psychotherapy outcomes for migrant populations (e.g., international students, expatriates, refugees). In my dissertation, I am investigating the attitudes, behaviors, and demographic factors that influence host-national students’ friendship engagement with international students.
My experiences in the classroom both internationally and on Purdue’s international campus have led to my interest in researching migrant populations. While in graduate school, I have personally experienced the benefits of intercultural relationships and feel strongly about promoting these experiences on campuses through my research.

What have been the highlights of your research experience so far?
Sharing my research (both formally and informally) has been an incredibly meaningful experience for me. I am passionate about my research program and gain so much joy by discussing my findings and ideas with colleagues, students, and friends.

Where do you hope to be in five years?
I hope to be a licensed psychologist on my way to tenure at a small liberal arts college. I truly enjoy teaching and mentoring, so I would like to work at an institution that values these activities. Additionally, I hope to be engaging with clinical work in my community on a part-time basis.

What advice do you have for your fellow graduate student researchers?
Develop a network of support. Research can be a lonely and frustrating process at times, so it is important to have people you can talk to about your challenges. Investing in peer relationships (or a therapist!) create opportunities to feel connected and understood when you face challenges that might otherwise be overwhelming. 

Where are you from and what did you do prior to your PhD program?
I am from Zambia and prior to my PhD program I taught mathematics in a university teachers’ college.

Why did you choose Purdue and your area of concentration?
I chose Purdue University because it is a prestigious university. I loved it that the university was associated with Neil Armstrong and that Purdue university credentials are very credible. Having taught mathematics for seventeen years both at secondary school and teacher education level, I was troubled by the low student achievement at both levels and hence had a desire to search for solutions by pursuing a PhD course to learn more on the challenges faced by mathematics learners.

What are your areas of research interest? What led to your interest in these areas?
My area of research interest is in global social justice in mathematics education. After the lockdown, I was intrigued to learn of social justice issues for the first time in my life. In my country no one talks about the injustices, we have learned to manage them. After Covid-19 pandemic hit and subsequent lockdown, programs like study abroad were suspended hence the need for interventions to continue collaborations with other nations. The alternative platforms were the virtual platforms that ensured the continuity of these collaborations. Two professors came up with an idea of introducing an online course that would afford participants from diverse countries to participate in discussions of social justice issues and I was an instructor on the course Global Social Justice in Education (GSJE). The course recruited participants from seven countries across the globe. After a semester of participating in the course I started to wonder how we can use mathematics to highlight injustices in our communities. I developed a course – global social justice in mathematics education (GSJME) where we use social justice mathematics to address global issues presented by the UN 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development Goals to highlight the social injustices. Participants were recruited from seven countries across the world (China, Cameroon, Kenya, Nepal, U.S., Tanzania, Zambia)

What have been the highlights of your research experience so far?
Thus far my research has shown that virtual platforms can be ideal places for professional development for teachers. It has also shown that participants coming from diverse backgrounds with diverse cultures can develop intercultural competence on such platforms. My research experience has also shown that mathematics in terms of numbers is a powerful tool for highlighting injustices in the communities.

Where do you hope to be in five years?
I hope to be heading a consultancy firm five years from now.

What advice do you have for your fellow graduate student researchers?
My advice to my fellow graduate students is to explore areas of your interest instead of assigned topics.

Where are you from and what did you do prior to your PhD program?
I am from China. Before I came to the doctoral program, I worked as an academic director at a Chinese international elementary school.

Why did you choose Purdue and your area of concentration?
Before coming to Purdue, I read about the research the professors in Language and Literacy had been working on. Learning about their research studies broadened my mind and also motivated me to become a researcher in such areas. In addition, the professors in the College of Education are super supportive of doctoral students, which made my mind to come to Purdue.

What are your areas of research interest? What led to your interest in these areas?
My research interests include children’s literature, emergent literacy, multimodality, and family literacy. Picture books have “magic” that attracts young children to become active readers and engage in the reading of them. I want to further explore the affordances from multiple perspectives that can support young children to learn about themselves and others, as well as literacy development.
As a bilingual person myself, I had lots of literacy practices at home during my childhood. Those experiences were very helpful for my academic learning in schools. I would like to continue working on exploring the valuable resources and supports that are already happening at home settings of emergent bilingual families that should be valued and inform teaching for teachers.

What have been the highlights of your research experience so far?
It is excited when seeing young children using multiple types of meaning-making while reading picture books, such as rich body language, facial expressions, etc., as well as the rich supports and literacy practices that happen in the homes of bilingual families. In addition, when presenting my research results at conferences, the audience, including teachers and scholars from other institutions, are amazed and agree with what we found, and build connections from that.

Where do you hope to be in five years?
I would like to continue working on research regarding wordless picture books and emergent bilingual family literacy practices. I would like to explore the benefits and challenges of promoting the use of wordless picture books in classroom teaching. In addition, I will continue my work with emergent bilingual families and study about children’s multimodal interactions with family resources as ways of developing language and literacy skills.

What advice do you have for your fellow graduate student researchers?
I would like to advise graduate students to be familiar with your doctoral career plan as early as possible to set goals for each stage of the doctoral program and work hard towards it. Also, it is helpful to seek collaborations with diverse professors, peers, and scholars within and beyond our college to develop research studies. 

Where are you from and what did you do prior to your PhD program?
I have a diverse professional background, including experience as a German-Chinese interpreter and translator in both Shanghai and Singapore. Subsequently, I worked as a Chinese language teacher in both Singapore and Syracuse, NY. Prior to my doctoral study, I worked as a TA in the Fayetteville-Manlius School District in Syracuse, NY.

Why did you choose Purdue and your area of concentration?
I selected Purdue as the institution for my doctoral study due to its reputation as a leader in the field of education. The GER2I in the College of Education at Purdue has earned a reputable status in the realm of gifted education worldwide. The faculty consists of renowned scholars who possess extensive knowledge and experience in the field. Additionally, my advisor’s research aligns with my personal research interests. Lastly, the diverse cultural atmosphere among the international student body at Purdue provides a source of inspiration for me.

What are your areas of research interest? What led to your interest in these areas?
My research focuses encompass a range of topics, including the study of creativity and related topics, examination of social-emotional issues affecting gifted adolescents, exploration of alternative identification methods that do not rely on IQ or other cognitive assessments, and investigation of underachievement among gifted female students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.
My passion for the field of gifted education was fostered while serving as a Chinese language teacher in Singapore. During that time, I had the opportunity to work closely with gifted students and became aware of their unique academic and social-emotional needs. I observed that some of these gifted students were at risk due to a lack of appropriate educational support. This experience motivated me to further explore the needs of gifted students and seek ways to help them reach their full potential and make a meaningful contribution to society.

What have been the highlights of your research experience so far?
As a novice in the field of gifted education, I have been actively working on several research projects that align with my research interests. My current projects include exploring underachievement among gifted female students from financially impacted families in the aftermath of the pandemic, examining the potential social-emotional impact of the pandemic on gifted adolescents, and investigating gifted students’ perspectives on the influence of ChatGPT and other AI applications. I hope that my research will make a dent in the field, no matter how small.

Where do you hope to be in five years?
In five years, I see myself as a tenure-track assistant professor at a leading research university, where I can continue to advance the field of gifted education through my research, teaching, and engagement. My goal is to make a meaningful impact on the lives of gifted individuals and the broader community through my dedication and commitment to this field.

What advice do you have for your fellow graduate student researchers?
I would like to share a valuable lesson that I have learned from my advisor with my fellow graduate student researchers. It is of utmost importance to maintain a balanced work-life equilibrium and to prioritize one’s commitments. It is essential to constantly reflect on what truly holds significance in one’s life and to allocate one’s time and resources accordingly. By doing so, one can cultivate a harmonious and fulfilling existence, both professionally and personally.

Where are you from and what did you do prior to your PhD program?
I am from Turkey. Before my PhD I was working as a research assistant at a private university in Istanbul, Turkey.

Why did you choose Purdue and your area of concentration?
Purdue is a well-known university in STEM Education research and I had a great chance to work with one of the successful professors in his Engineering Education lab team.

What are your areas of research interest? What led to your interest in these areas?
My research interests are investigating what motivates middle school students in learning STEM and science in particular. Along this line, I am specifically researching how students’ achievement and motivation is linked to their engagement profiles. Before joining Purdue, I was interested in looking at reading comprehension profiles of low and high achieving middle school students. Then, I noticed that educational psychology literature broadly captures different abilities and disabilities from the lens of motivation and engagement. I think it is exciting to look at middle schoolers’ science learning profiles from different motivation and engagement frameworks.

What have been the highlights of your research experience so far?
The research team I am involved with is very productive and friendly. I had a chance to work on various projects which were focusing different methodologies in education research. The greatest highlight would be the published articles we had so far. As an end product, I had a chance to lead one of the articles which were recently published in the Science Teacher. I think learning several methodological approaches during research is an important piece that would take in future endeavors. My work in the lab allows me to improve my research skills not only by assisting but also by giving me the authority to manage different tasks to be able to sustain projects on my own.

Where do you hope to be in five years?
In five years, I would like to be a successful science teacher educator in the field. Also, I would like to conduct comparative studies here and abroad to explore science learning motivation profiles of middle school students. In addition, I would like to be able to conduct science education projects that would be supporting the needs of students with learning difficulties.

What advice do you have for your fellow graduate student researchers?
As an ongoing fellow doctoral student researcher, I would recommend my colleagues to precisely decide on what they would like to do for life. Their life goals should be matching with the tasks they do in their graduate studies too. Getting to know themselves can be one of the key points for them to pursue their desires. Choosing the best mentor and finding themselves a compatible researcher in their lab team would give them the courage to do and achieve more.

Where are you from and what did you do prior to your PhD program?
I am from Goshen, Indiana and I have been in public education for 16 years. For the first five years of my teaching career, I taught seventh grade social studies. This was followed by three years as a Master Teacher, conducting action research and leading staff in professional development while coaching teachers. This was the catalyst for me to become an administrator and I spent three years as an Assistant Principal. I am now in my fifth year as Principal at Model Elementary School in Goshen, IN.

Why did you choose Purdue and your area of concentration? 
I chose Purdue over other educational institutions because of its reputation for excellence. Purdue is a tier one University and several of my role models and mentors earned their doctorate degrees from Purdue. They speak very highly of their experience. Educational Leadership is a passion and it is my career. The next logical step would be to pursue this avenue for research and a dissertation. If I was to be a part of making changes to the systems for public education, I need to have a vast knowledge of education from a different view, a view outside of my role as a principal.

What are your areas of research interest? What led to your interest in these areas?
My areas of interest are wide. This has proven to be a challenge because I want to know more about so many different areas of public education. I would be amiss to not mention the impact that COVID-19 has played in potentially reshaping the American Public Education System. The pandemic, along with the insurmountable pressure under which administrators are facing student achievement data, I am leaning toward researching the influence of support from district leadership on the principals in their district. Can a close and professional relationship between these two roles make or break a principal’s tenure in their position? Quantitative and qualitative could both be used to yield results.

What have been the highlights of your research experience so far?
The highlights of my research thus far have been interesting. Oftentimes, I am finding that what is originally hypothesized is not proven by the data. There are also large amounts of independent variables that play key roles in the research and in each district, each principal is a situational circumstance. Research is leaving me with more unanswered questions.

Where do you hope to be in five years? 
In five years, I hope to be leading a group of administrators on how to effectively run a school with not only high student achievement but with the drive and passion to have exemplary, whole child schools. This could be in the role of a district leadership position, a professor, a consultant, etc.

What advice do you have for your fellow graduate student researchers?
This advice was given to me by a Purdue research professor during our first research course. Take time to read for fun, for pleasure. Continuing to read for enjoyment makes you a better reader for research. If you spend all of your time reading peer reviewed articles about what you are researching, you will burn out at a much quicker rate. Giving the brain a break from research and allowing other parts of the brain to be activated with a good mystery novel, a biography, or something unrelated to your topic and extremely healthy for the mind to function at its best. When it’s 8 pm and I feel like I should be reading the latest article I found, I stop myself and read my book for fun and I have stopped feeling guilty about it.