Behind Our Research

How long have you been at KUCRL? 

I started working at KUCRL in September of 2019. I am currently working on the grant "Improving Transition Outcomes for HS Students with Learning Disabilities". This grant combines the Possible Selves (PS) model and Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction (SDLMI). I am also working on research and developing resources for learning strategies for tutoring.

What attracted you to working at KUCRL?

My first project at KUCRL was the Transition Grant that would allow me to be involved in the study looking at how motivation, goal setting, self-determination and setting action plans could help students successfully transition into college or career. I was also attracted to KUCRL because of the team of researchers at KUCRL and the other interesting projects and opportunities to collaborate and to have support in applying for funding in my own areas of interest.

What problem can this grant solve?

The Transition Grant helps HS students with Learning Disabilities to be more successful in setting goals and creating a plan for how and where they will transition out of high school. It enables the teacher to guide the student to establish those goals and be able to act with intention, to learn how and practice establishing support people and systems, and to look ahead as to what might be an obstacle nad figure out how they might problem-solve through any fears and/or obstacles that might get in the way. The tutorial programs will help parents, caregivers and anyone acting as a tutor during the and after COVID, as parents are educating their children from home and after COVID as educators, tutors and educational staff work to close learning gaps that may occur during time away from school.

What inspires you?

I am just a curious person and I like to know what’s going in the world around me. I am inspired by the relentlessness of gathering and studying a vast amount of information in order to make informed decisions, discover better strategies and come to a greater knowledge of something. I like thinking out of the box and connecting previously disconnected ideas. I am inspired by sharing findings with others and hearing about what others have found and share. And by working with others and when a team of people’s contribution becomes “greater than the sum of their parts” so to speak.