The College of Education & Human Development added several faculty this year – faculty whose research, teaching and service make significant contributions to the college and its students.
Department of Counseling and Psychological Services
Marisa Franco, who earned her Ph.D. at the University of Maryland, focuses her research on the health effects of the invalidation of multiracial individuals’ identities and racial group boundaries between monoracial and multiracial groups.
Erin Mason’s research interests include school counselor practice and preparation with an emphasis on leadership, advocacy and the use of technology. Mason, who earned her Ph.D. at Georgia State University, practiced as a school counselor for 13 years.
Department of Early Childhood and Elementary Education
Cathy Amanti, who earned her Ph.D. from the University of Arizona, focuses her research on dual language immersion, and the intersection of in- and out-of-school experiences of students.
Department of Educational Psychology, Special Education, and Communication Disorders
Sarah Elizabeth Carlson, who earned her Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota, studies psychological foundations of learning and cognition, and reading comprehension assessment for students and adults.
Claire Donehower earned her Ph.D. from the University of Central Florida and her research focuses on improving academic, social and behavioral outcomes for students with autism spectrum disorders using innovative technology.
Stephanie Gilbert has been a practicing speech-language pathologist for the past 11 years. She’s worked with adults and children, with extended experience working with adults who have dysphagia (swallowing disorders) and cognitive impairments.
Department of Kinesiology and Health
Feng Yang earned his Ph.D. at Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics and conducts research related to biomechanics, motor disorders and rehabilitation. He is investigating the underlying mechanisms of falls from the perspectives of biomechanics and motor control among healthy and pathological populations.
Department of Middle and Secondary Education
Jacob Hackett earned his Ph.D. at the University of Washington and his research interests include socially just urban teacher preparation, culturally-responsive school-wide positive behavior interventions and supports, disability studies, and social emotional instruction, including restorative justice and outdoor education.
Top row (l to r): Marisa Franco, Erin Mason, Cathy Amanti and Sarah Elizabeth Carlson; bottom row (l to r): Claire Donehower, Stephanie Gilbert, Feng Yang and Jacob Hackett.