Alissa Cress

Alissa Cress is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Studies at Purdue University’s College of Education. Her work focuses on gifted education, particularly addressing equity in gifted identification, trauma-informed practices, and support for underrepresented populations such as foster youth.

• Education: Ph.D. (2021), M.S.Ed. (2019), and B.A. (2015) from Purdue University.

Her research explores trauma-informed teaching strategies, teacher professional development, and community-based education partnerships. She has contributed to studies on enrichment program effectiveness, parental perceptions of STEM education, and systemic inequities in ability testing. Her publications highlight themes of educational equity and inclusive practices for gifted students.

Honors include the NAGC Carolyn Callahan Doctoral Student Award (2021), MENSA Foundation Award for Excellence in Research (2019), and multiple teaching awards from Purdue University. She collaborates with the Gifted Education Research and Resource Institute (GER2I) and has served as a co-coordinator for summer programs.