Find Academic Supervisors

Maia MillerView profile

Lecturer

• Special Education
• Learning Disabilities
• Emotional/Behavioral Disorders
• +3 more

Maia Miller serves as an Adjunct Instructor of Education at Bethel University, primarily affiliated with the College of Adult and Professional Studies where she teaches Special Education (B.A.) programs, and contributes to Graduate School offerings for Special Education (M.A.). With over 20 years of specialized experience starting in 2003, she joined Bethel's faculty in 2014 and brings extensive field expertise across diverse disability areas. Her academic credentials include: B.A. in English Literature from University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (2005) M.A. in Special Education (LD & E/BD) from Bethel University (2007) She maintains active licensure in Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), Emotional/Behavioral Disorders (E/BD), Developmental Cognitive Disability (DCD), Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), and Work-Based Learning. Her professional focus centers on translating two decades of classroom experience into effective pedagogy, particularly in developing employability skills for high school students with special needs through practical work-based learning frameworks. Miller's teaching methodology integrates evidence-based practices for reading, writing, and social skills instruction across disability spectrums, with recent emphasis on transition-to-work competencies. Her approach bridges theoretical special education principles with real-world application, informed by direct experience in center-based DCD programs and autism-focused classrooms.

Carrie RodesilerView profile

Assistant Professor

• Composition/Rhetoric
• Developmental Education
• Higher Education
• +3 more

Dr. Carrie Rodesiler is an Assistant Professor of English at Indiana Tech's College of Arts and Sciences. She serves as Director of Title III, Retention Services, and has held leadership roles in developmental education at institutions like St. Petersburg College and Florida Gateway College. Her academic background includes an Ed.D. in Higher Education from Ball State University and an M.A. in Critical Studies in Literacy and Pedagogy from Michigan State University. Rodesiler's research focuses on universal design for instruction (UDI), developmental education redesign, and pedagogical strategies for inclusive learning environments. She has presented at national conferences such as the National Association for Developmental Education and published on topics like professional development for educators and learning toolkit interventions. Her professional experience spans roles as an English instructor, writing consultant, and director of academic support programs. She has received the prestigious Faculty of the Year award in 2021 and contributed to initiatives like Project EXCEL, which integrated UDI principles into developmental education. Rodesiler teaches courses including Public Communication, College Writing, and Research Writing, emphasizing writing instruction across disciplines. Her advising roles include overseeing 20th Century Scholars programs.

Robert OstromView profile

Associate Professor

• Poetry

Robert Ostrom is an Associate Professor in the Department of English at the School of Arts & Sciences, New York City College of Technology (City Tech), part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system. His teaching portfolio spans developmental writing, composition, literature, and creative writing courses across undergraduate programs. His educational background includes: BA in English from Allegheny College MFA in Poetry from Columbia University Ostrom's research centers exclusively on Poetry, with deep engagement in contemporary American poetic forms. His creative practice emphasizes free verse, experimental structures, and lyrical expression, reflecting his dual role as scholar and practicing poet. This focus permeates both his pedagogical approach and artistic output. Publication analysis reveals two distinct trajectories since 2008: four poetry chapbooks and a full-length collection exploring contemporary American themes, alongside the co-authored textbook "CATskills" addressing college writing pedagogy. His poetic works consistently engage experimental and modern forms, while the textbook demonstrates applied expertise in developmental writing assessment and curriculum design for CUNY students.

Jennifer SearsView profile

Associate Professor

• Creative Writing
• American Literature
• Narrative Theory
• +4 more

Jennifer Sears is an Associate Professor in the Department of English at the School of Arts & Sciences , City University of New York (CUNY) - New York City College of Technology (City Tech). She teaches creative writing and first-year writing , and serves as Co-Coordinator of the Creative Writing Minor . MFA in Creative Writing (Fiction), Columbia University School of the Arts BA in English, Bethel College Her research focuses on narrative theory , digital storytelling , and first-year writing pedagogy . She has explored Nabokov's dream symbolism , Emerson's literary influence , and Mennonite cultural narratives . Current work examines NLP applications in educational storytelling. Recent publications span literary analysis (Emerson, Nabokov), creative writing pedagogy , and digital humanities projects. Her work frequently appears in Witness , Guernica , and North American Review . John Simmons Short Fiction Award (2025) Northeast Modern Language Association Fiction Book Award (2024) National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Institute Scholar (2015) She has developed the "Our Stories" digital writing project , creating web-based belonging systems for first-year students through collaborative narrative analysis and educational technology integration . Her work has been cited in Best American Short Stories and Best American Essays .

Olga MiočevićView profile

Assistant Professor

• Adolescent Development
• Psychology of Trauma
• Stress Physiology
• +3 more

Olga Miočević is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Northland College, specializing in adolescent development, trauma, stress physiology, and sex education. Her research focuses on the physiological impacts of trauma, particularly childhood sexual abuse in incarcerated adolescents, and improving sex education for LGBTQIA+ youth. She employs methodologies like the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) and salivary cortisol measurement. Education: PhD in Human Development and Family Studies (Iowa State University), MS in Human Development and Family Studies (Iowa State University), BS in Psychology (University of New Orleans). Dr. Miočević bridges academic research with community engagement, collaborating with local organizations to enhance youth and family health. She teaches courses including General Psychology, Lifespan Developmental Psychology, and Hormones and Behavior. Her research group engages students in grant writing and program evaluation for community-focused initiatives. Outside academia, she enjoys cooking, gardening, and exploring hobbies like fermentation. She aims to learn sewing, sailing, and flying lessons in Superior.

Arthur McGovernView profile

Professor

• Learning and Development
• Cultural Psychology
• Psycholinguistics

Arthur McGovern is Professor of Psychology at Nichols College, researching learning, development, and the sociocultural functions influencing societal evolution. His current project examines cultural transmission mechanisms and their modern transformations. Key research areas include: Psycholinguistic patterns in political discourse Behavioral impacts of economic systems Motivational frameworks in academic settings Publications span experimental psychology, correctional health interventions, and educational methodologies, with recent work analyzing presidential rhetoric through computational linguistics.

Jennifer AngstadtView profile

Lecturer

• Composition Pedagogy
• Student-Centered Learning
• First-Year Writing
• +3 more

Jennifer Angstadt is an Instructor of English at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, focusing on composition pedagogy and student-centered learning approaches. She holds an MA in English from West Chester University, a BA in English from Lebanon Valley College, and an AA in Communication Arts from Delaware County Community College. Her professional interests emphasize first-year and developmental pedagogy, reflecting a commitment to foundational academic writing skills. While no specific grants or awards are documented, her teaching philosophy prioritizes accessible education frameworks for diverse learners. No research articles or lab affiliations are listed in the provided profile. Her academic contributions appear centered on undergraduate instruction rather than traditional research output.

Mary BolandView profile

Professor

• Composition and Rhetoric
• Writing Program Administration
• Academic Freedom
• +6 more

Mary Boland is a Full Professor in Composition and Rhetoric and Director of the Writing Program at the College of Staten Island, CUNY since 2019. Her work focuses on institutional structures impacting writing programs and faculty, advocating for academic freedom and professional conditions for writing instructors. She leads initiatives like corequisite English curriculum development, OER implementation, and antiracist pedagogy reading groups involving full- and part-time faculty. She champions a university-wide culture of literacy, emphasizing writing across disciplines. Her teaching spans first-year writing, public sphere writing, nature writing, and composition theory. Additional scholarly interests include historical intersections of constitutional law, eugenics, and feminist discourses. Educated at the University of Rochester (PhD and MA in English), Duke University School of Law (JD), and SUNY Binghamton (BA in Literature and Rhetoric), she serves as Co-Chair of the CUNY Writing Discipline Council. Recent projects include grant-funded curriculum reforms addressing developmental education and disciplinary literacies.

Gina L. HendersonView profile

Assistant Professor

• English Education
• Composition Studies
• Curriculum Design
• +3 more

Gina L. Henderson is an Assistant Professor at Florida A&M University (FAMU), affiliated with the Department of English and Modern Languages within the College of Social Sciences, Arts, and Humanities (CSSAH). She holds an Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction from Grambling State University (2019), an M.Ed. in English Education from FAMU (2009), an MBA in Finance (1988), and a B.A. in English from FAMU (1981). Prior to her current role, she served as a Professor at Tallahassee Community College (2002–2023) and an English Teacher at James A. Shanks High School (1992–2002). Her professional background also includes roles as a Commercial Lender at Bank of America (1988–1992) and a Technical Writer at Transamerica Life Companies (1982–1986). Dr. Henderson focuses on curriculum design and English education, teaching courses such as ENC 1101/1102 (Freshman Communicative Skills I/II) and ENC 0025 (Developmental Writing II). Her teaching emphasizes effective communication and critical thinking skills. She actively engages in community service through Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the local NAACP, and the FAMU NAA. Beyond academia, she holds bowling awards and is a two-time fantasy football champion.

Vickie JohnstonView profile

Lecturer

• Literacy
• Differentiated Instruction
• Children’s Literature
• +4 more

Vickie Johnston is an Instructor III and ELLM Director in the Department of Teacher Education and Learning Sciences at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), affiliated with the College of Education. She holds an Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction (Special Education Concentration) from Liberty University, an M.Ed. in Literacy from FGCU, and a B.S. in Speech Pathology from Southern Illinois University. Her research focuses on literacy, differentiated instruction, children’s literature, technology integration, and teacher education. Notable specialties include supporting struggling readers and early literacy learning. She teaches courses such as Developmental Reading, Literacy Content and Processes, and Language Arts Methods for grades 6-12. Dr. Johnston has secured grants totaling over $430,000 annually through the ELLM Grant (2005–present) and smaller grants from FGCU. Awards include the 2021 FGCU COE Junior Faculty Scholarship and a 2017 Excellence Award nomination. She serves on committees like the Faculty Senate Library and COE Literacy Festival. Her articles address topics like simSchool simulations, dyslexia intervention, and flipped classrooms in teacher education. She collaborates on initiatives like the University Literacy Festival, connecting Title I students with authors. Her work emphasizes equity, technology, and practical classroom strategies.

• Sociolinguistics
• Theory and Philosophy of Composition and Rhetoric
• Womanist Theology
• +3 more

Donald McCrary is an Associate Professor of English at Long Island University (LIU/Brooklyn). He holds a B.A. and M.A. in English from the University of Massachusetts/Boston and a Ph.D. in English Education from New York University. His career includes roles as a learning specialist, instructor, and Associate Director of the Writing Center at LIU/Brooklyn. Education: B.A. in English, University of Massachusetts/Boston M.A. in English (Teaching of Writing track), University of Massachusetts/Boston Ph.D. in English Education, New York University Research Interests: Focuses on sociolinguistics, composition theory, womanist theology in pedagogy, and culturally relevant rhetoric. He developed courses such as English 255: Black Masculinity in African-American Fiction and explores how hybrid discourse and religious texts enhance academic writing among diverse learners. Awards: 1998 Who's Who Among American Teachers Award 1997 Scholars of the Dream Scholarship Award 1993 PEW Development Award 1991 Multicultural Awareness Award Teaching & Service: Advised numerous students, chaired departmental committees (Writing Program, ARPT), and contributed to the Pew Grant. Active in professional organizations including NCTE, MLA, and NAACP. Labs/Teams: Played a key role in LIU/Brooklyn’s Writing Center and collaborated on initiatives like Core Seminar training.

• Literacy Education
• Young Adult Literature Analysis
• Multilingual Learners Support
• +3 more

Dr. Mark Lewis is a Professor in Literacy Education at James Madison University's College of Education, specializing in Mid, Secondary, and Math Education. His work focuses on adolescent literacy, multilingual learners, and sociopolitical themes in young adult literature. Prior to JMU, he taught middle school English and ESL in Arizona and worked with Indigenous youth in Colorado. Education: Ph.D., Curriculum & Instruction – Literacy Studies, University of Colorado at Boulder M.A., English Studies, Northern Arizona University M.Ed., Secondary Education – English Language Arts, Northern Arizona University B.A., English for Corporate Communications and Management, Christian Brothers University Research Interests: Critical analysis of adolescent representations in literature Supporting multilingual learners' writing assets Sociopolitical issues in sports-related young adult texts Teacher-student relationships in media His work highlights marginalized voices and equity-driven pedagogical strategies. Publications: Over 35 scholarly articles and books, including co-authored works like Rethinking the 'Adolescent' in Adolescent Literacy (2017) and Reading the World through Sports and Young Adult Literature (2024). Recent research explores sexual violence representation in sports literature and equity in secondary literacy interventions. Affiliations: National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) American Educational Research Association (AERA) Black-Eyed Susan Awards Committee for Young Adult Literature Labs/Teams: Leads interdisciplinary projects on literacy and equity, collaborating with organizations like the Text Analysis of Children’s Literature committee.

Cherng-Jyh YenView profile

Associate Professor

• Quantitative Research Design
• Data Analysis
• Structural Equation Modeling
• +3 more

Dr. Cherng-Jyh Yen is an Associate Professor at Old Dominion University's Department of STEM Education & Professional Studies within the Darden College of Education & Professional Studies. He specializes in quantitative research design, statistical analysis, and test validation using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and multilevel modeling. His work emphasizes online learning environments, social presence measurement, and self-regulated learning skills. Education: Ph.D. in Educational Research from the University of Virginia (2002), M.S. in Counselor Education from Indiana University (1995). Research focuses on educational technology, including studies on online discussion dynamics, adaptive learning systems, and teledentistry adoption. He has led numerous grants totaling over $2.5M, such as the National Math and Science Initiative’s AP Training Program evaluation and a federal study on student retention in STEM fields. Awards include the 2002 Dissertation Proposal Award and 1998 Fellowship from the Curry School of Education. His publications span journals like Journal of Applied Learning & Teaching and International Journal of Distance Education Technologies , addressing topics from MOOC forums to disaster preparedness literacy. Collaborations include projects with Virginia schools and international partnerships exploring cross-cultural online presence.

Shaziela IshakView profile

Professor

• Developmental Psychology
• Perception and Action
• Cognitive Development
• +5 more

Shaziela Ishak is a Professor of Psychology at Ramapo College of New Jersey, affiliated with the School of Social Science and Human Services (SSHS). She joined the college in 2009 and specializes in developmental psychology, perception-action research, and cognitive development. Her work focuses on how individuals perceive and interact with their environment, particularly in understanding affordances for action across developmental stages. She holds a Ph.D., M.A., and B.A. in Experimental Psychology from New York University. Education: Ph.D. and M.A. in Experimental Psychology (NYU), B.A. in Psychology (NYU) Teaching: Courses include Developmental Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Neuropsychology, and Research Methods Labs: Director of the Child Development Lab at Ramapo College Dr. Ishak’s research integrates the Ecological Approach to Perception and Action, emphasizing how children learn action possibilities through perceptual and social cues. Key areas include spatial perception, motor development, and motion sickness. Her studies span infants, children, and adults, often involving experimental methods in controlled environments like flight simulators or developmental labs. Her publications highlight themes such as affordance perception, developmental continuity in motor skills, and the impact of visual information on spatial judgment. Notable contributions include insights into motion sickness caused by static patterns and the role of tactile feedback in object manipulation. She also advocates for pedagogical best practices in undergraduate psychological writing and inclusive classroom discussions on diversity. Advising and grants: While no specific advisees are listed, her research has been supported by grants related to developmental and perceptual studies. She collaborates with interdisciplinary teams across psychology, education, and human services.

Mary ChristianakisView profile

Professor

• Critical Theory
• Gender Studies
• Immigration/Migration/Diaspora Studies
• +6 more

Mary Christianakis is a Professor of Critical Theory and Social Justice at Occidental College, appointed since 2002. She holds degrees from UCLA, Loyola Marymount University, and UC Berkeley. Her research focuses on literacy development, discourse analysis, and sociocritical perspectives on education, immigration, and social justice. She directs the OxyGen initiative, a student-alumni generations project. Education: B.A. (UCLA), M.Ed. (UCLA), M.A. (Loyola Marymount University), Ph.D. (UC Berkeley). Research interests include: critical theory, gender studies, immigration/diaspora dynamics, qualitative methods, and discourse analysis in institutional contexts. She emphasizes children’s literacy practices in schools and non-traditional settings like youth detention facilities. Key publications address juvenile justice systems, neoliberal education policies, and Romani children’s experiences. Her work has been recognized with the Alan C. Purves Award (2012) for impactful scholarship. Teaching spans foundational courses like Introduction to Critical Theory and specialized topics such as Children’s Literature and Popular Texts . She develops experiential learning programs including qualitative interview methods and critical ethnography. Grants and initiatives include leadership in the California Immigration Semester and advocacy against the school-to-prison pipeline. Her OxyGen project fosters intergenerational academic connections.