For a better experience, click the Compatibility Mode icon above to turn off Compatibility Mode, which is only for viewing older websites.

Doctoral Student Research Briefs

Drexel University School of Education

Each month, Drexel School of Education doctoral students present research related to their dissertations at our Doctoral Student Colloquium. One Drexel University School of Education PhD student and one EdD student present their research before an audience of Drexel students, faculty and professional staff. Listed below are the names of each student, the title of their project, supervising professors and a link to a brief on their research.

Download the School of Education's Doctoral Student Research Briefs Volume 1

Download the School of Education's Doctoral Student Research Briefs Volume 2

Download the School of Education's Doctoral Student Research Briefs Volume 3

Download the School of Education's Doctoral Student Research Briefs Volume 4

Download the School of Education's Doctoral Student Research Briefs Volume 5

Download the School of Education's Doctoral Student Research Briefs Volume 6

2021-2022 Doctoral Research Briefs

Tajma Cameron PhD student

Tajma Cameron

May 6, 2022
"WE ARE STEM: Black Girls’ Perceptions of Engaging in an Informal Culturally Sustaining STEM Enrichment Program and its Influence on the Development of Their STEM Identity"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Alonzo Flowers

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Vanessa Aird, EdD

Vanessa Aird, EdD

April 1, 2022
"Dance as Therapy in Grenada: The Intersection of Gender, Education, and Crisis"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Kristy Kelly

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Ellana Black phd student

Ellana Black

April 1, 2022
"Neuromyth Awareness and Brain-Based Knowledge Among Academic Advisors and Academic Support Personnel"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Alonzo Flowers

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Caleb Mezzy, EdD

Caleb Mezzy, EdD

March 4, 2022
"A delphi study: Developing a career transition model for professional baseball players"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Cameron Kiosoglous

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Dara Bright Drexel University School of Education

Dara Bright

March 4, 2022
"Seeds to STEM Project: Supporting Nutrition and Health Choices for Minoritized Children in Urban Settings"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Toni May

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Dr. David C. Sledge

David C. Sledge, EdD

February 4, 2022
"Collaboration, Dialogue, and Creativity as Instructional Strategies for Accredited Architectural Education Programs: A Mixed Methods Exploratory Investigation"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Fredricka Reisman

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Sinead Meehan Drexel University School of Education PhD student

Sinead Meehan

February 4, 2022
"Engineering Professional Development for the Elementary Educator: A Review of the Literature"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Christopher Wright

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Melissa Schmitz EdD

Melissa Schmitz, EdD

January 7, 2022
"Exploring Entrepreneurial Students’ Perceptions of Online Mindful Creativity Training: A Mixed Methods Case Study"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Larry Keiser

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Turea Hutson Drexel University PhD in Education student

Turea Hutson

January 7, 2022
"Ubuntu – I am Because We are: A Grounded Theory Study of Community Belonging"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Ayana Allen-Handy

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Ilana Shipe, EdD

Ilana Shipe, EdD

December 3, 2021
"School community perceptions of an equity team in a suburban school: A case study"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Kristine Lewis Grant

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Neisha Young Drexel University School of Education PhD student

Neisha Young

December 3, 2021
"Creating Mirrors: Expanding Frameworks to Explore Immigrant Students’ Agentive Authoring of Identity"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Christopher Wright

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Melissa Kaufman EdD

Melissa Kaufman, EdD

November 5, 2021
"Effects of Adaptive Leadership on Faculty Engagement in Online Learning in Higher Education: A Mixed Methods Study"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Kristen Betts

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Karena Escalante Drexel University School of Education PhD student

Karena Escalante

November 5, 2021
"Where’s the Reciprocity? Advocating for Marshallese COFA Migrants in Hawaii"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Ayana Allen-Handy

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Brian Williams, EdD

Brian Williams, EdD

October 1, 2021
"A mixed methods study: Understanding risk factors for plagiarism among MBA students at a Northeastern U.S. research university"
Supervising Professor: Dr. José Luis Chávez

Read Research Brief [PDF]

2020-2021 Doctoral Research Briefs

Katie Mathew Drexel University School of Education PhD student

Katie Mathew

May 7, 2021
"The Influence of Feedback on Creativity and Beliefs About Creativity"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Jennifer Katz-buonincontro

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Sasha Ortiz EdD Drexel University School of Education

Sasha Ortiz, EdD

May 7, 2021
"How High-Achieving First-Generation STEM Students Persevere and Succeed in College: A Mixed Methods Study"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Alonzo Flowers

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Yiyun Fan PhD student Drexel University School of Education

Yiyun "Kate" Fan

April 2, 2021
"Education Networks on Twitter in COVID-19"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Aroutis Foster

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Van Truong, EdD Drexel University School of Education

Van Truong, EdD

April 2, 2021
"Bridging the Gap Between Urban Adolescent Females of Color and STEM: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Alonzo Flowers

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Kathlyn Elliott PhD student Drexel University School of Education

Kathlyn Elliot

March 5, 2021
"Preventing Violent Extremism through Education"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Kristy Kelly

Read Research Brief [PDF]

David Mattson Drexel University School of Education PhD Student

David Mattson

February 5, 2021
"Media Analysis of News Articles during COVID-19: Renewal, Continuity and Cultural Dimensions of Creative Action"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Jennifer Katz Buonincontro

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Kelly DiPietro-Edwards Drexel University EdD student

Kelly DiPietro-Edwards

February 5, 2021
"A Phenomenological Exploration of High School Teachers’ Perspectives on Collaboration and Implementation of Practice in the Context of College and Career Readiness Framework"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Sheila Vaidya

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Kimberly Sterin PhD student Drexel University School of Education

Kimberly Sterin

January 15, 2021
“How can we make it equitable?”:
The Critical Role of School-level Business Administrators in Managing School Resources

Supervising Professor: Dr. Ayana Allen-Handy

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Maria Toglia Drexel University EdD student

Maria Toglia

January 15, 2021
"Examining the Impact of one Professional Development Program in Structured Literacy on Teacher Knowledge: A Quasi-experimental Study"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Lori Severino

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Katrina Struloeff PhD student Drexel University School of Education

Katrina Struloeff

December 4, 2020
"Leadership without Boundaries:
Exploring Career Pathways of Women* in Higher Education Administration"

Supervising Professor: Dr. Alonzo Flowers

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Kenneth Jones EdD in Educational Leadership and Management Drexel University School of Education

Kenneth Jones, EdD

December 4, 2020
"How Higher Education Forgot about Non-Traditional Aged Black Men:
Narratives from Non-Traditional Aged Black Men During the College Application Process"

Supervising Professor: Dr. Alonzo Flowers

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Jeffrey Archibald, EdD Drexel University

Jeffrey Archibald

November 6, 2020
"A Multisite Case Study of the Alignment of Institutional Change Strategies And Culture for Guided Pathways Reform Implementation in California Community Colleges"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Deanna Hill

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Janel Dia PhD student Drexel University School of Education

Janel Dia

November 6, 2020
"Building Bridges Between Multilingual Families and Urban Schools; A qualitative case study"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Vera Lee and Dr. Kristine Lewis Grant

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Christopher Fornaro PhD student Drexel University School of Education

Christopher Fornaro

October 2, 2020
"STEAMing ahead with teamwork: Transferring administrative support to a virtual setting due to COVID-19"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Alonzo Flowers

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Christine Galib, EdD Drexel University School of Education

Christine Galib, EdD

October 2, 2020
"A Phenomenological Study: Exploring High School Students’ Experiences Earning an Entrepreneurship Diploma in an Entrepreneurship Education Secondary School Program"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Joyce Pittman

Read Research Brief [PDF]

2019-2020 Doctoral Research Briefs

Gregory Wurth EdD Drexel University School of Education

Gregory Wurth, EdD

May 1, 2020
"Leader/Follower Relationship of Academic Administrators at a Southern Comprehensive University Undergoing Consolidation: A Mixed-Methods Investigation"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Joy Phillips

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Alysha Meloche Drexel University School of Education

Alysha Meloche

May 1, 2020
"Know Your Artist: Factoring Artist Identity into Aesthetic Responses to Art"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Ayana Allen-Handy

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Monique Woodward Drexel University School of Education

Monique Woodward

April 10, 2020
"Facilitating Creative Processes while Learning to Code and Design Virtual Reality Environments"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Aroutis Foster

Read Research Brief [PDF]

William Green EdD Drexel University School of Education

William Green, EdD

April 10, 2020
"A Phenomenological Study: Exploring Chinese Junior High School Students’ Lived Experiences and Perceptions of Using Game-based Technology to Learn English in an English as Foreign Language Classroom in Shanghai, China (EFL-C)"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Joyce Pittman

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Brian McCommons Drexel University School of Education

Brian McCommons

March 6, 2020
"Uyghur refugees in higher education in the U.S.: Trauma and adaptation challenges"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Rebecca Clothey

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Anthony Batts Drexel University EdD student

Anthony Batts

March 6, 2020
"A mixed methods study: Exploring non-academic factors that impact literacy development for minority students enrolled in advanced placement courses in an urban high school"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Joyce Pittman

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Ague Mae Manongsong Drexel University School of Education

Ague Mae Manongsong

February 7, 2020
"Mentoring Approaches of Minoritized Women: Insights from Administrative Leaders in Higher Education"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Rajashi Ghosh

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Dr. Karen Britt EdD in Educational Leadership and Management Drexel University School of Education

Karen Britt, EdD

February 7, 2020
"Teaching Business Writing at the Community College: Improving Writing Skills"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Joyce Pittman

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Mark Petrovich PhD Student Drexel University School of Education

Mark Petrovich

January 10, 2020
"Learning by Making: Investigating Students' Identity Exploration Using Environmental Science and Art"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Aroutis Foster

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Jackie Murphy EdD Drexel University School of Education

Jackie Murphy

January 10, 2020
"Exploring the Effects of an Open Access Mindfulness Course on Online Graduate Student Persistence, Stress, and Mind Wandering: A Mixed Methods Explanatory Sequential Study"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Kristen Betts

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Amanda Reinsburrow Drexel Unviersity School of Education

Amanda Reinsburrow

December 6, 2019
"Doing Math: A Case Study of 5th Grade Students Development in Math and Literacy Through Their use of Centers"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Valerie Klein

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Dr. Chris Holland EdD in Educational Leadership and Management Drexel University School of Education

Christopher Holland, EdD

December 6, 2019
"Educators' Dualistic Perceptions of Leadership Styles during PreK-12 Independent School Accreditation Review Processes"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Kristy Kelly

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Mikhail Miller Drexel University School of Education

Mikhail Miller

November 1, 2019
"Using Technology and Collaboration with STEM Professionals to Enhance Students’ Self-Efficacy and Interest in STEM"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Christopher Wright

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Brian Delaney Drexel University School of Education

Brian Delaney

October 4, 2019
"Will the Real Non-Traditional Students Please Stand Up: An Integrative Literature Review"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Kristen Betts

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Renaldo Scott, EdD

Renaldo Scott, EdD

October 4, 2019
"Impact Of Please ASK on ESL Student Comprehension Of The English Article System Before Proper Nouns: A Phenomenological Study"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Joy Phillips

Read Research Brief [PDF]

2018-2019 Doctoral Research Briefs

Ague Mae Manongsong Drexel University School of Education

Ague Mae Manongsong

May 10, 2019
"Mentoring and Intersectionality: Exploring Lived Experiences of Successful Minority Women Education Leaders"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Rajashi Ghosh

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Carlene Reid EdD student Drexel University

Carlene Reid

May 10, 2019
"Child Care Center Directors' Perceptions of their Efforts to Create Inclusive Environments in a Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS): A Phenomenological Study"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Constance Lyttle

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Mark Petrovich PhD Student Drexel University School of Education

Mark Petrovich

May 3, 2019
"Tracking STEM Interest Development Through a Play-Based Informal Learning Experience"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Aroutis Foster

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Lydia Svetkovich Drexel University Student

Lydia Svetkovich

May 3, 2019
"The Impact of Response to Intervention/Multi-Tiered System of Supports for Literacy on Student Outcomes in a Pennsylvania Elementary School: A Quasi-Experimental Cohort Study"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Lori Severino<

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Angel Royal EdD Drexel University School of Education

Angel Royal

April 12, 2019
"Evaluating the Impact of Economic Disadvantage on Specific Disability Identification in Elementary School Students: A Grounded Theory Study"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Janet Sloand

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Rasheda Likely Drexel University School of Education

Rasheda Likely

April 12, 2019
"#MediaMatters: Examining the Nature of Science in Children's Animated Movies"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Christopher Wright

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Shadi Dini

Shadi Dini

March 1, 2019
"Pragmatic Competence of Bilinguals: An Interface of Education, Computational, and Neuro Linguistics"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Penny Hammrich

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Charlotte Brickhouse EdD Student

Charlotte Brickhouse

March 1, 2019
"The Voices of Leaders: A Qualitative Examination of Urban Principals' Perspectives Regarding the Reintegrating of Students with Emotional Disturbance Back in the School Community"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Constance Lyttle

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Brian Delaney Drexel University School of Education

Brian Delaney

February 1, 2019
"How Journalism and Mass Communication Schools Prepare and Support Instructors to Teach Online: A Multiple Case Study"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Kristen Betts

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Amanda Reinsburrow Drexel Unviersity School of Education

Amanda Reinsburrow

December 7, 2018
"Understanding Current Math Teacher Perceptions of Literacy and its Role in their Classrooms"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Valerie Klein

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Nicolette DiPietro EdD

Nicolette DiPietro, EdD

December 7, 2018
"A Phenomenological Study: Exploring College Students' Experiences and Perceptions About Adjuncts' Teaching Styles"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Joyce Pittman

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Alysha Meloche Drexel University School of Education

Alysha Meloche

November 2, 2018
"Picture After Picture: A Mixed Methods Study on Instructional Practices in Art History"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Jen Katz Buonincontro

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Stephen Flemming EdD Student

Stephen Flemming

November 2, 2018
"Exploring African American Men's Characterizations of their K-12 Teaching and Learning Experiences in a Large Urban School District"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Joyce Pittman

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Hamideh-Talifian

Hamideh Talafian

October 5, 2018
"Increasing STEM Career Awareness and Identity Exploration in a Space Summer Camp"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Penny Hammrich

Read Research Brief [PDF]

2017-2018 Doctoral Research Briefs

Jessica-Quinter

Jessica Quinter

May 4, 2018
"A Case Study: Exploring Mindfulness Practices in Pennsylvania Elementary School Settings"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Joyce Pittman

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Tamara-Galoyan

Tamara Galoyan

 May 4, 2018
"Uncovering Pedagogical Beliefs and Practices in Higher Education Through a Lens of Mind, Brain, and Education Science"
Supervising Professors: Dr. Kristen Betts and Dr. Penny Hammrich

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Alia-Ammar

Alia Ammar

April 6, 2018
"Evaluation of a Summer Literacy Camp for Struggling Readers"
Supervising Professors: Dr. Lori Severino and Dr. Mary Jean Tecce DeCarlo

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Hope-Fuss

Hope Fuss

April 6, 2018
"Principals' Perceptions of Changing the Age=Grade Traditional Model of Schooling"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Joyce Pittman

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Amanda-Barany-2018

Amanda Barany

March 2, 2018
"Exploring Identities and Patterns of Participation in Virtual Environments"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Aroutis Foster

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Rebecca-March

Rebecca March

March 2, 2018
"A Qualitative Case Study: Exploring Parents' Support Needs When an Adolescent with Autism Spectrum Disorder is Preparing to Transition to Adult Services"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Joyce Pittman

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Lindsay-Mitchell

Lindsay Mitchell

February 2, 2018
"Parent Involvement in Early Childhood Education and its Impact on the Development of Early Language and Literacy Skills: An Exploration of on Head Start Program's Parent Involvement Model"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Vera Lee

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Hamideh-Talifian

Hamideh Talafian

 February 2, 2018
"Teachers' Views Toward Integrating Visual Technological Simulations in Teaching Science: A Case Study in Urban Planning"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Penny Hammrich

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Traci-Dennis2

Traci Dennis

January 12, 2018
"A Second Chance: A Phenomenological Study of African American Student Perceptions of Urban Secondary Alternative Schools"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Ayana Allen

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Leona-Donaldson

Leona Donaldson

January 12, 2018
"Comparing Engineering Labs for Organizational Analysis from Global Perspective"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Penny Hammrich

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Barbara-May

Barbara May

December 1, 2017
"Mixed Methods Design: Examining Secondary Teachers' Perceptions about the Efficacy of First Year Implementation of the Collins Writing Program on Students' Academic Performance on State Mandated Tests"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Joyce Pittman

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Magdalene-Moy

Magdalene Moy

December 1, 2017
"Exploring Portals and Participation in Europa Universalis' Affinity Spaces"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Brian Smith

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Jennifer-Gaudioso

Jennifer Gaudioso

November 3, 2017
"Perceptions of School Principals on Participation in Professional Learning Communities as Job-Embedded Learning"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Mary Jean Tecce DeCarlo

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Katelyn-Alderfer

Katelyn Alderfer

November 3 2017
"Teacher Activism and Social Media"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Kristy Kelly and Dr. Brian Smith

Read Research Brief [PDF]

William-Ryan

William Ryan

October 6, 2017
"University-Community Partnerships as Learning Organizations: A Case Study"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Kristine Lewis Grant and Dr. Jamie Callahan

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Rasheda-Likely

Rasheda Likely

October 6, 2017
"Developing a 4D Curricular Unit for Middle School Students: Combining Next Generation Science Standards with Career Awareness"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Nancy Songer

Read Research Brief [PDF]

2016-2017 Doctoral Research Briefs

Nicole Hall

Nicole Hall

May 5, 2017 "Supporting Nurses to Speak Up for Patient Safety"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Valerie Klein

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Elaine Perignat

Elaine Perignat

May 5, 2017
"Examining Pedagogical Beliefs About Teaching for Creativity: Converting STEM to STEAM Classrooms"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Jennifer Katz Bounincontro

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Carol Stanford

Carol Stanford

April 7 2017
"Barriers to Substance Abuse Treatment for Nurses"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Kathy Geller

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Tamara Galoyan-PhD

Tamara Galoyan

April 7, 2017
"Transdisciplinary Approach to Transfer of Learning"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Kristen Betts, Dr. Penny Hammrich

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Linda Gaines, EdD

March 3, 2017
"Web-Based Technology Integration and Student Engagement in a Fully Online Graduate Program"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Kristen Betts

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Mollie Gambone

March 3, 2017
"An Expansive Learning Model to Explore Teachers' Collaboration for Student Success"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Kristy Kelly

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Tara Parr, EdD

February 3, 2017
"A Brain-Targeted Teaching Framework: Modeling the Intended Change in Professional Development"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Kristen Betts

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Anthony Matranga

February 3, 2017
"Mathematics Teachers Professional Development: A Virtual Boundary Encounter"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Jason Silverman

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Shawnna Thomas-El

January 6, 2017
"Unveiling Perceptions Held by Community Residents of an Academic Institution in Their Midst"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Ayana Allen

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Kristine MacDonald

January 6, 2017
"Factors Positively Influencing Persistence and Program Completion for Nontraditional Students Enrolled at a For-Profit Postsecondary Institution"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Jennifer Adams

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Jessica Cellitti

December 2, 2016
"Teachers’ Perspectives on Failure: Impact on Classroom Interactions"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Jason Silverman

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Melinda Johnson

December 2, 2016
"The Influence of Workplace Spirituality on Work Stress in University Employees"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Ken Mawritz

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Amanda Barany

November 4, 2016
"Negotiating Identities through Peripheral Participation"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Aroutis Foster

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Shannon O’Neill

November 4, 2016
"Preparing Special Education Teachers in Low-Incidence Populations – The Teachers’ Perspectives"
Supervising Professor: Dr. William Lynch

Read Research Brief [PDF]

Jonan Donaldson

Jonan Donaldson

October 7, 2016
"Conceptualizations of Learning and the Every Student Succeeds Act"
Supervising Professor: Dr. Brian Smith

Read Research Brief [PDF]