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Gerardo Rodriguez-MenendezView profile

Professor

• Psychopharmacology
• Neuropsychology
• Pediatric Psychology
• +10 more

Gerardo Rodriguez-Menendez is a Department Chair at The Chicago School, focusing on the Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology Program. He is a licensed clinical psychologist in Florida with a multifaceted career spanning education, administration, research, and clinical practice. Education: PhD in Clinical Psychology (1994) and MS in General Psychology (1987) from Albizu University; MS in Visual Disabilities (1983) from Florida State University; MS in Clinical Psychopharmacology (2001) from Nova Southeastern University. Research Interests: Dr. Rodriguez-Menendez specializes in psychopharmacology, neuropsychology, pediatric psychology, and mindfulness practices. His work emphasizes clinical supervision, competency-based assessment, multicultural training, and diversity in mental health education. Publications & Research Trends: His recent work focuses on improving clinical training frameworks, addressing multicultural competence, and advancing professional psychology education. Key themes include the impact of diversity on training outcomes and the science of clinical supervision. Scientific Awards & Memberships: Fellow, American Academy of Clinical Psychology Board Certified Psychologist, American Board of Professional Psychology Member of the American Psychological Association, National Academy of Neuropsychology, and National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology Advising & Leadership: Dr. Rodriguez-Menendez has chaired multiple committees and led organizations like the American Academy of Clinical Psychology and Open Door Health Center. He has served on boards including Florida Psychological Association and ASPIRA of Florida. Labs & Teams: He contributes to interdisciplinary teams at The Chicago School, focusing on clinical psychopharmacology and competency-based education, and collaborates with institutions like Memorial Regional Hospital.

Claudia StokesView profile

Professor

• Nineteenth-Century American Literature
• Sentimental Literature
• Religion in American Literature
• +5 more

Claudia Stokes is a Professor of English at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, specializing in nineteenth-century American literature. Her scholarly work explores the intersections of literature, religion, and gender in the 19th century American context. She has authored multiple influential books and numerous articles that have reshaped understanding of sentimental literature, religious discourse, and literary originality in American literary history. Dr. Stokes earned her B.A. from the University of Michigan and completed both her M.Phil. and Ph.D. at Columbia University. Her academic journey has positioned her at the forefront of American literary studies, with particular expertise in women's writing and religious dimensions of 19th century literature. Stokes' research primarily focuses on nineteenth-century American literature, with special attention to sentimental literature, religious contexts in American writing, and questions of literary originality. Her work demonstrates how writers like Harriet Beecher Stowe and Louisa May Alcott engaged with religious discourse and how sentimental literature influenced emerging American religions. She has pioneered scholarship on unoriginality as a productive literary strategy rather than a deficiency, examining how quotation, epigraphs, and textual borrowing functioned as mechanisms of literary authority in the nineteenth century. Her extensive publication record reveals consistent engagement with how gender, religion, and literary practices intersect in American literature. Stokes has demonstrated particular expertise in analyzing how religious discourse shapes literary production, how women writers navigated restrictive social contexts, and how concepts of originality and authorship evolved during the nineteenth century. Her work bridges literary criticism, religious studies, and gender studies, creating interdisciplinary connections that have enriched multiple fields. Dr. Stokes has received numerous scholarly honors, including: Honorable Mention for the Book Prize from the Society for the Study of American Women Writers Florence Howe Award for feminist scholarship for "The Poetics of Unoriginality: The Case of Lucretia Davidson" Trinity University's Dr. and Mrs. Z. T. Scott Faculty Fellowship for Outstanding Achievement in Teaching and Advising (2018) 1921 Prize for best essay in American literature for "Novel Commonplaces: Quotation, Epigraphs, and Literary Authority" A $45,000 NEH grant in 2024 for work on Harriet Beecher Stowe's religious writings As an educator, Stokes has been recognized for her exceptional teaching and mentoring, working closely with students on critical editions and research projects. Her grant funding from institutions like the Gilder-Lehrman Institute of American History, Harvard's Houghton Library, and the National Endowment for the Humanities has supported significant scholarly work that bridges academic research and public engagement with literary history.

Ceyhun UçukView profile

Assistant Professor

• Gastronomy
• Culinary Arts
• Neurogastronomy
• +5 more

Ceyhun Uçuk is an Assistant Professor at Gaziantep University's Faculty of Tourism, Department of Gastronomy and Culinary Arts, with concurrent appointments at Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University, Istanbul Topkapi University, and Istanbul Gelişim University. His academic journey began with a B.A. in Gastronomy and Culinary Arts from Gaziantep University (2010-2014), followed by a Master's degree in the same field (2014-2017), and culminated with a Ph.D. from Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University (2019-2022). Dr. Uçuk's research spans the exciting intersection of gastronomy, neuroscience, and technology. His primary research interests include neurogastronomy, plate presentation techniques, gastrodiplomacy, and the application of artificial intelligence in culinary contexts. He has developed a distinctive research profile examining how visual presentation affects food perception, cross-cultural food acceptance, and the integration of technology in culinary innovation. His publication record demonstrates significant scholarly impact with 36 books and book chapters, 34 peer-reviewed articles, and 30 conference proceedings. Recent publications (2023-2025) reveal a strong focus on contemporary gastronomic challenges including sustainable food systems, neurogastronomy applications, food presentation psychology, and gastrodiplomacy. His work appears in both Turkish and international journals across food science, tourism, and interdisciplinary fields. Among his notable scientific achievements are the Public Scientific Publication Incentive Award (2022) and the Civil Society Organization Turkey&Tunus Relations Contribution Award (2022). He has successfully supervised multiple doctoral and master's theses, demonstrating strong mentorship capabilities in gastronomic research. Dr. Uçuk serves as the Domestic Erasmus Coordinator at Gaziantep University (2023-present) and previously held positions as Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Department Internship Coordinator (2022) and Disability Unit Responsible (2020). His active engagement with professional organizations includes membership in The International Society of Neurogastronomy and Slow Food International, reflecting his commitment to advancing gastronomic science and sustainability.

Tuba MadenView profile

Associate Professor

• Physiotherapy
• Neurological Rehabilitation
• Multiple Sclerosis Rehabilitation
• +6 more

Tuba Maden is an Associate Professor at Gaziantep University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation. She has extensive experience in neurological rehabilitation, particularly in Multiple Sclerosis research and treatment. Her academic journey includes a Doctorate in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation from Hasan Kalyoncu University (2017-2020), a Master's degree from the same institution (2015-2017), and a Bachelor's degree from Süleyman Demirel University (2010-2014). Dr. Maden's research interests focus on neurological rehabilitation, balance and coordination disorders, geriatric rehabilitation, and musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Her work particularly emphasizes Multiple Sclerosis rehabilitation, where she has conducted numerous studies on cervical mobilization, balance training, and assessment tools for functional capacity. She has also contributed significantly to pediatric rehabilitation, respiratory rehabilitation, and orthopedic rehabilitation research. Her publication record includes 32 articles, with recent work focusing on Multiple Sclerosis rehabilitation techniques, assessment tools, and the relationship between various physiological parameters and functional outcomes. Her research spans multiple disciplines including neurology, biomechanics, and public health, with a strong emphasis on practical clinical applications. Dr. Maden has received recognition through her 11 book chapters in various physiotherapy and rehabilitation texts, including topics such as balance and coordination exercises, rehabilitation for people with mental disabilities, and physiotherapy approaches for childhood ataxias. She has supervised three master's theses to completion, focusing on abdominal drawing-in maneuvers for balance in Multiple Sclerosis patients, tele-rehabilitation for Parkinson's patients, and fascial distortion model applications for tension headache patients. Her administrative roles include serving as Department Chair, Head of Department, Erasmus Coordinator, and Farabi Coordinator at Gaziantep University since 2023. Dr. Maden also holds a patent for a Vibratory Sensory Education Device and has participated in numerous research activities and professional trainings related to neurological rehabilitation, entrepreneurship, and scientific research methodology.

Michael PfitznerView profile

Professor

• Sports Pedagogy
• Sports Didactics
• Movement-Based Learning
• +7 more

Prof. Dr. Michael Pfitzner is a full professor and holds the Chair of Sports Pedagogy and Sports Didactics at the Institute of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Duisburg-Essen. He is actively involved in teaching, research, and academic leadership, serving as Chairman of the Examination Board and Deputy Managing Director of the Institute. His work is deeply embedded in the development of physical education teacher training and school-based interventions. Educational Affiliations and Roles: Professor, Professorship for Sports Pedagogy and Sports Didactics Institute of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Duisburg-Essen Chairman, Examination Board Deputy Managing Director, Institute His research focuses on Sports Pedagogy and Sports Didactics , with a strong emphasis on movement-based learning, inclusive education, and digital teaching. He explores how physical activity can enhance cognitive functions such as executive control in school settings. His work spans theoretical development, empirical research, and practical implementation in classrooms and teacher training programs. Projects like 'Bewegungsbasierte Lernförderung im Fachunterricht' and 'DigiProSMK' reflect his interdisciplinary and applied approach. The 15 most recent publications highlight a consistent research trajectory centered on competency-oriented physical education, task design, knowledge transfer, inclusion, and the integration of movement into academic learning. These works span journals and edited volumes in sports science, education, and pedagogy, demonstrating a strong commitment to both scholarly and practical impact. Scientific Awards: No specific awards are mentioned in the provided text. Advising and Grants: Prof. Pfitzner has supervised doctoral students, including Jennifer Liersch and Esther Pürgstaller, and has contributed to funded research initiatives such as the UDE Graduate College 'Querschnittliche Fragen der Lehrkräftebildung' and projects under the 'lernen.digital' competence network. He has led and collaborated on multiple interdisciplinary research projects involving schools, universities, and educational authorities. His advising role extends to mentoring student research projects, particularly in the practical semester, and guiding early-career researchers in sports pedagogy. Labs and Research Teams: He is a key member of the 'Network Lernen und Bewegung' and leads research within the 'Sports Pedagogy and Didactics' division at the Institute. He collaborates with teams across the Institute of Sport and Exercise Sciences and with external partners from WWU Münster, PH Heidelberg, and other institutions. His work is organized within structured research groups focusing on digital teaching, inclusion, and teacher professionalization.

Andrés Sánchez PradaView profile

Professor

• Violence against women
• Intimate partner violence
• Gender-based violence
• +6 more

Andrés Sánchez Prada is a faculty member at the Pontifical University of Salamanca's Faculty of Psychology, where he specializes in Behavioral Science Methodology. As an active researcher with the PSIGESA (Psychology, Gender, and Health) research group, he contributes significantly to understanding gender-based violence, bystander intervention, and attitude measurement. His academic profile shows consistent publication activity from 2014 through 2023 across multiple high-impact journals. Dr. Sánchez Prada earned his doctorate from the Pontifical University of Salamanca in 2008 with a thesis titled 'Deconstrucción y construcción del cambio en terapia centrada en soluciones una aproximación cualitativa' under Dr. Mark Beyebach's supervision. This foundational work in solution-focused therapy has evolved into his current research focus on gender-based violence. His primary research interests center on violence against women (VAW), intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW), and bystander intervention strategies. He has made significant methodological contributions through developing measurement tools like the Gender Violence Implicit Association Test (GV-IAT) and the Questionnaire of Intention to Help in VAW Cases (QIHVC). His work examines how gender, age, academic training, and previous experiences influence attitudes toward violence against women and bystander behaviors, revealing important discrepancies between explicit and implicit attitudes. Analysis of his publication trends shows a clear evolution toward practical applications of psychological research. His most recent work focuses on developing tools for measuring bystander intentions across different violence scenarios and analyzing how stereotypes about battered women affect judicial practices. A distinctive feature of his research is the consistent comparison between explicit (self-report) and implicit (reaction-time based) attitude measurements, demonstrating that socially sensitive topics like violence against women often show significant gaps between what people report and their automatic responses. Dr. Sánchez Prada actively collaborates with researchers across Spain and Europe on projects related to violence prevention. His work with the PSIGESA research group demonstrates a commitment to translating research findings into practical interventions that address gender-based violence in Spanish contexts. His research has been published in high-impact journals including Frontiers in Psychology, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Journal of Interpersonal Violence, and PLoS ONE.

Nicholas D SchiffView profile

Professor

• Disorders of Consciousness
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Deep Brain Stimulation
• +5 more

Nicholas D Schiff is a Professor of Medical Ethics in Medicine, Professor of Neuroscience at the Brain and Mind Research Institute, and Professor of Neurology at Weill Cornell Medical College, holding the Jerold B. Katz Professorship in Neurology and Neuroscience. His academic appointments span multiple departments reflecting his interdisciplinary work at the intersection of neurology, neuroscience, and medical ethics. Dr. Schiff completed his M.D. at Cornell University Medical College in 1992 and earned his B.A. from Stanford University in 1987. His educational background established the foundation for his career bridging clinical neurology with neuroscience research. His research focuses on disorders of consciousness, traumatic brain injury mechanisms and treatments, deep brain stimulation techniques, thalamocortical function, and neuroethical considerations in severe brain injury. Schiff pioneered work on cognitive motor dissociation and developed the anterior forebrain mesocircuit model to explain disorders of consciousness. His laboratory investigates neural mechanisms of recovery using multimodal approaches including EEG, fMRI, and direct neural recordings. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on developing objective biomarkers for consciousness assessment, refining deep brain stimulation protocols for traumatic brain injury, and translating basic neuroscience discoveries into clinical applications. His work increasingly incorporates multimodal assessment techniques and focuses on both mechanistic understanding and practical clinical interventions. Principal Investigator for JSMF Covid-19 Consortium for Recovery of Consciousness (2020-2025) Principal Investigator Subaward for Thalamic stimulation to prevent impaired consciousness in epilepsy (2019-2025) Co-Investigator for Central thalamic deep brain stimulation to regulate arousal and cognition (2020-2025) Key Personnel for NIH 7T MRI System grant (2021-2025) Dr. Schiff maintains active collaborations through the Central Thalamic Deep Brain Stimulation Trial and serves on scientific advisory boards including QuantalX Neuroscience Ltd. His laboratory at the Brain and Mind Research Institute integrates basic neuroscience with clinical applications, focusing particularly on thalamic function and consciousness regulation.

• Collaborative Governance
• Government-Nonprofit Relations
• Regional Network Governance
• +4 more

Professor Bin Chen is a faculty member at the Marxe School of Public and International Affairs, Baruch College, and a doctoral faculty member in the Ph.D. Program in Social Welfare at The Graduate Center, CUNY. He is affiliated with the Center for Nonprofit Strategy and Management. Education: Ph.D. in Public Administration (University of Southern California), M.Sc. in Public Administration and Public Policy (London School of Economics), B.A. in English (Shanghai International Studies University) His research focuses on collaborative governance in public policy, government-nonprofit relations, regional network governance, and comparative public administration across family services, elderly care, homelessness, mental health, disability, and pandemic response. He utilizes social network analysis, qualitative comparative analysis, and necessary condition analysis. Recent work explores cross-country pandemic responses (2023), public-private partnerships (2019), and networked governance in China (2015). Awards include the Christopher Pollitt Prize (2023), William Diaz Fellowship (2008-2009), and multiple research grants. He serves on editorial boards for journals like Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly and Public Administration Review .

• Social Security Policy
• Disability Policy
• Aging and Demography
• +5 more

Na Yin is an Associate Professor in the Department of Public Affairs at the Marxe School of Public and International Affairs , Baruch College, CUNY. Her research focuses on social security policy , disability insurance , aging populations , and cross-country comparative studies , particularly examining how policy designs affect individual behavior and well-being. Education: PhD in Economics (SUNY-Stony Brook, 2008), MA in Economics (SUNY-Stony Brook, 2005), BA in Economics (Renmin University of China, 2002) Key Methodologies: Dynamic structural modeling, anchoring vignette approaches for correcting self-reporting bias in disability measures Grants: Multiple awards from PSC-CUNY, Social Security Administration, and Environmental Protection Agency for studies on disability measurement, aging, and policy impacts Her recent publications analyze gender disparities in work disability reporting , racial inequality in work-from-home access , and actuarial fairness in retirement benefits . She also leads a pilot study on anti-Asian violence's mental health impacts among elderly New Yorkers. Scientific Awards CUNY GC ARC Fellowship Nomination (2023) Three-time Nominee for Baruch's Presidential Excellence Award for Distinguished Teaching (2017, 2015, 2011) Early Career Awards at SUNY-Stony Brook: President's Award for Excellence in Teaching (2006), Economics Department Teaching Award (2005) Dr. Yin serves as a Faculty Associate at CUNY Institute for Demographic Research and co-organizes academic seminars. She teaches graduate courses in economic demography , demography of aging , and public policy analysis .

• Economic Development
• International Aid Flows
• Religion and Development
• +3 more

Professor Matthew Clarke serves as Deakin Distinguished Professor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation at Deakin University, with previous roles including Pro Vice-Chancellor Research Development (2020-2023) and Head of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (2011-2020). He is affiliated with the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation and co-founded the Centre for Humanitarian Leadership, a collaboration with Save the Children Australia working with over 20 international NGOs. His educational background includes: Doctor of Philosophy from Victoria University of Technology Master of Arts from Monash University Graduate Certificate of Higher Education from Deakin University Bachelor of Economics from Monash University Professor Clarke's research maintains a human-centered focus on economic development, international aid flows, and religion and development, drawing on over three decades of international development experience. His work bridges academic research with practical humanitarian applications, with particular attention to Pacific regional dynamics, faith-based organizations in development contexts, and inclusive approaches for marginalized communities. His leadership has been instrumental in establishing Deakin's humanitarian education programs, including the University's first MOOC in humanitarian disasters. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent trajectory examining humanitarian leadership ethics, development effectiveness, and the intersection of religion with aid work. His research spans both theoretical frameworks and applied policy implications, with growing attention to disability inclusion in humanitarian contexts and Pacific regional politics. Professor Clarke's scholarly contributions have been recognized through prestigious awards: Alfred Deakin Professor (2019) Fulbright Scholar, Non-Profit Leadership (2017-2018) Deakin University Award for Outstanding Contribution to Global Experiences (2016) Deakin University Award for Outstanding Contribution to Research (2008) He has secured significant research funding from diverse sources including DFAT, Save the Children, World Vision, and multiple international universities. His current major projects include a $600,000 agreement with Barwon Health (2024-2028) and a $420,863 project addressing technology-facilitated domestic violence in Pacific Island nations. Professor Clarke has supervised over 20 PhD candidates to completion across diverse topics from humanitarian leadership to Pacific geopolitics. As co-founder of the Centre for Humanitarian Leadership, he has helped build an initiative that has trained hundreds of humanitarian workers from over 70 countries and secured millions in funding. His leadership as DVC Research and Innovation focuses on expanding Deakin's research partnerships with industry, international universities, and research providers to enhance both research quality and real-world impact.

Dulce GonçalvesView profile

Assistant Professor

• Educational Psychology
• Equity & Learning
• Learning Difficulties
• +4 more

Dulce Gonçalves is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Psychology of the University of Lisbon, where she has been teaching and researching since 1987. She coordinates the IDEA Project (Investigation of Difficulties for Evolution in Learning), focusing on inclusive education frameworks and learning difficulties. As a specialist in Educational Psychology registered with the Order of Portuguese Psychologists, her work bridges theoretical research with practical applications in educational counseling. Research Interests: Equity & Learning, Educational Counseling, Lay Beliefs and Conceptual Change, Learning Strategies, Inclusive Education. Her publications from 2002 to 2016 emphasize functional assessment models, conceptual change theory, and interventions for learning difficulties. She has edited multiple volumes on the IDEA Project, highlighting interdisciplinary approaches to educational equity and student development.

• Speech Therapy
• Developmental Dyslexia
• Language and Speech Pathology
• +5 more

Ekateryna Todorova, PhD, is an Associate Professor at the Department of Health Care and Social Work, New Bulgarian University. She specializes in developmental dyslexia, speech therapy, and special educational needs. Her career spans over two decades in academic and clinical roles. Research Interests: Dyslexia diagnostics and therapy Articulation and phonological disorders Executive function in learning disabilities Educational technology for special needs Developmental language impairments Inclusive education practices Academic Contributions: She has authored multiple books and chapters on developmental dyslexia and articulation disorders, including Bulgarian adaptations of international diagnostic tools like DDE-2. Her recent research focuses on literacy training for children with physical disabilities using assistive technologies. Professional Roles: Former dean of the Bachelor's Faculty (2016-2020), former director of quality commission, and academic mentor in EU-funded projects like Erasmus+ and Human Resources Development Program.

Lennart LehmhausView profile

Assistant Professor

• Ancient Judaism
• Rabbinic/Talmudic Literature
• History of Medicine in Premodern Judaism
• +3 more

Lennart Lehmhaus (PhD, 2013) is Akademischer Rat (≈ assistant professor) at the Institute for Jewish and Religious Studies, Faculty of Protestant Theology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen. Previously he was a post-doc researcher and lecturer at Freie Universität Berlin (DFG-SFB 980 “Episteme in Motion”), a Rothfeld and Albert J. Wood Fellow at the Katz Center for Advanced Judaic Studies (University of Pennsylvania), and Harry Starr Fellow at Harvard University’s Center for Jewish Studies. Education PhD (Dr. phil., summa cum laude), Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, 2013 MA (magna cum laude), Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf & Gerhard-Mercator-Universität Duisburg, 2006 Year-long study program, Hebrew University Jerusalem, 2002–2003 Polish language & culture, Jagiellonen-University Kraków, 2004/2005 Research Interests Lehmhaus investigates ancient and medieval Jewish cultures through rabbinic and Talmudic texts, focusing on the history of medicine, knowledge production, and sciences in Late Antiquity and the early Islamicate period. He explores how Jewish traditions of healing, pharmacology, and medical lore interacted with Graeco-Roman, Byzantine, Syriac, Persian and early Islamic medical discourses, and how these traditions were transmitted, transformed, and re-appropriated across cultures. Additional interests include the literary and ethical dimensions of Midrash, contemporary Jewish identity and culture, and the trajectories of Jewish motifs from antiquity to modern Israeli and American contexts. Research Output Trends Across more than 35 peer-reviewed articles and chapters, Lehmhaus consistently combines philological precision with comparative cultural analysis. His work moves from close readings of rabbinic lists and recipes to broad questions of epistemic strategies, pain and suffering, disability, gynaecology, and the construction of medical authority. Recurring themes include the role of lists and catalogues as epistemic tools, the intersection of medicine with ethics and martyrdom, and the transcultural flow of pharmacological knowledge. His forthcoming monograph Talmudic Bodies of Knowledge and multi-volume Sourcebook of Medical Passages in Talmudic Texts will consolidate these strands. Scientific Awards & Fellowships Albert J. Wood Fellow, Katz Center, University of Pennsylvania (2024–2025) Rothfeld Research Fellow, Katz Center (2017–2018) Harry Starr Research Fellow, Center for Jewish Studies, Harvard University (2016–2017) Grants & Collaborative Networks Lehmhaus is Principal Investigator and coordinator of the DFG-funded research network Between Encyclopaedia and Epitome – Talmudic strategies of knowledge-making in the context of ancient medicine and sciences (2022–2026), a collaboration between Tübingen University, University College London, and Freie Universität Berlin. Editorial & Series Leadership He is the founding editor (2022-) of the monograph series ASK – Ancient Cultures of Sciences and Knowledge (Mohr Siebeck) and has edited or co-edited multiple volumes, including Defining Jewish Medicine (2021, open access) and Collecting Recipes: Byzantine and Jewish Pharmacology in Dialogue (2017).

Rosa Santos GilbertzView profile

Professor

• Early childhood special education
• Early intervention
• Professional development
• +4 more

Rosa Santos Gilbertz serves as Associate Provost for Faculty Development and Professor of Special Education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In her administrative role, she oversees campus-level processes and policies related to faculty development and success, including mentoring programs for pre-tenure and mid-career faculty, career paths for specialized faculty, and leadership development initiatives. Prior to becoming Associate Provost, she served as Interim Head of the Department of Special Education in the College of Education (2016-17) and was a Provost Fellow for Faculty Development and Diversity (2015-16). Dr. Santos' educational background includes: PhD in Special Education from Utah State University MS in Special Education from Emporia State University BS in Family Life and Child Development from University of the Philippines Her research program focuses on young children with disabilities and their families within early intervention and early childhood special education contexts. She has developed expertise in three interrelated areas: (1) building empirical knowledge on how parents facilitate children's learning and development; (2) understanding the role of culture and language in young children's development; and (3) translating research to practice for early childhood professionals. Her work consistently emphasizes culturally responsive practices for diverse families of children with disabilities. Analysis of her recent publications reveals strong thematic continuity in supporting marginalized populations, particularly refugee families, military families, and culturally diverse families of children with disabilities. Her scholarship demonstrates sophisticated methodological approaches across qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research designs. Dr. Santos has received numerous prestigious awards throughout her career: 2022: Distinguished Graduate Lecturer at San Diego State University 2013: CEC Leadership Award from The Council for Exceptional Children 2012: Merle B. Karnes Service Award from The Division for Early Childhood 2009-2013: Teaching Academy Faculty Fellow 1999-2014: Multiple recognitions as an Excellent Teacher As a principal investigator, she has secured substantial funding from federal agencies including the Illinois Department of Human Services, US Department of Defense, US Department of Agriculture, and US Department of Education. Her current grants focus on early intervention training, military family support, and leadership development for special education personnel, with total annual funding exceeding $1.7 million. Dr. Santos actively collaborates with the Military Families Learning Network and directs the Early Intervention Training Program at the University of Illinois, developing innovative resources for professionals serving diverse families in early intervention settings. Her leadership extends to national organizations including the Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children.

• Special Education
• Disability Studies
• Transition to Postsecondary Education
• +5 more

Dr. Marcia L. Montague is a Clinical Associate Professor in Special Education at Texas A&M University's College of Education and Human Development. With over ten years of higher education teaching experience and nine years as a special education classroom teacher, she focuses on transition support for first-generation college students and individuals with disabilities. Her leadership includes roles as Training Director at the Center on Disability and Development, Chair of the Special Education Master's Program, and Co-Director of Heart of Texas GEAR UP. Education Ph.D., Educational Psychology, Texas A&M University M.Ed., Educational Psychology (Bilingual Special Education), Texas A&M University B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies (Special Education), Texas A&M University Research Focus Montague's research examines systemic approaches to educational equity, including: college retention strategies for marginalized students; disability-inclusive disaster preparedness; evidence-based teacher training models; and culturally responsive family engagement. Her work emphasizes practical interventions in K-12 and postsecondary settings, often through community partnerships with school districts and disability service agencies. Publication Trends Her scholarly output (2014-present) demonstrates consistent focus on special education praxis, with recent meta-analyses evaluating GEAR UP programs' long-term efficacy. Recurring themes include: validating assessment tools for self-advocacy; optimizing MTSS frameworks for teacher development; and creating accessible resources for Spanish-speaking families. Methodologies range from case studies in disaster management to large-scale educational data analysis. Awards and Honors College of Education Extraordinary Service Award (2024) Chancellor's Academy of Teacher Educators Team Award (2023-2024) Provost Faculty Teaching Excellence Award (2023-2024) Distinguished Achievement Award for Teaching (2021) Faculty Sustainability Champion Award (2021) Departmental Outstanding Teaching Award (2021) Leadership and Service Directs multiple university initiatives including Aggie Homework Helpline and Heart of Texas GEAR UP. Provides professional development for educators and disability service providers. Noted accomplishments include being named T-Camp Namesake (2025) for exemplary contributions to student development.