
Bischoff, Danny
Program Coordinator
I can help with:
- Salesforce Administration
- Marketing Automations
- Data Management

Knoepke, Diane
Associate Director of Student Affairs, MS in Learning & Organizational Change Program
Degrees
- BA, English, Northwestern University
- MS, Learning & Organizational Change, Northwestern University, 2016

Lasso, Joanna
Student Affairs Coordinator
Degrees
- BS, Journalism, Kent State University, 1995

Merrell, Jeff
Associate Director, MS in Learning & Organizational Change Program
Instructor, MS in Learning & Organizational Change Program
Degrees
- MS, Learning and Organizational Change, Northwestern University, 2006
- MBA, Marketing, Northwestern University Kellogg Graduate School of Management, 1989
- BA, English, Michigan State University, 1977
Research Interests
Organizational learning and knowledge management, digital networked learning, personal learning networks, social media and social collaboration technologies.

Pasek, Jennifer
Strategic Operations Manager
Degrees
- BS, Communications, Mundelein College, 1989

Scott, Kimberly
Director, MS in Learning and Organizational Change Program
Assistant Professor, MS in Learning and Organizational Change Program
Degrees
- PhD, Business Administration, Organizational Behavior, The Ohio State University, 1995
- MA, Business Administration, The Ohio State University, 1994
- BA, Psychology, University of Cincinnati, 1991
Research Interests
Improving workplace environments and practices that foster employee wellness, learning and success; relationships between organizational practices and individual engagement and well-being; transitions of individuals into leadership roles and how learning techniques can be designed to accelerate leadership development.

Smerek, Ryan
Associate Professor, MS in Learning and Organizational Change Program
Assistant Director of Academic Affairs, MS in Learning and Organizational Change Program
Degrees
- PhD, University of Michigan, 2009
- EdM, Harvard University, 2004
- AB, Dartmouth College, 2000

Turnley, Melinda
Assistant Director, MS in Learning and Organizational Change Program
Assistant Professor, MS in Learning & Organizational Change Program
Degrees
- PhD, English, Purdue University, 2001
- MA, English, Ohio State University, 1995
- BA, English, University of Texas at Austin, 1992
Dohrer, Timothy
Director, Master of Science in Education Program
Assistant Professor, School of Education and Social Policy
Degrees
- PhD, Curriculum and Instruction, Penn State University, 1999
- MA, English, Northwestern University, 1995
- BA, English and Journalism, Indiana University, 1990
Research Interests
Leadership development, curriculum and instruction, and curriculum integration.

Dotson, Danna
Teacher Education Coordinator and Student Advisor
Degrees

Lepeska, Leslie
Program Assistant, Master of Science in Education
Degrees
- MS, Anthropology and Education, University of Chicago, 1990
- BA, Behavioral Sciences, University of Chicago, 1987

Degrees
- PhD, Sociology, University of Chicago, 2007
- MSEd, Advanced Teaching, Northwestern University, 1997
- BS, Elementary Education, University of Illinois, 1993
Research Interests
Teacher education, mentoring, and induction; clinical preparation; features of preparation that promote candidate learning and teacher effectiveness

Wadle, Bradley
Assistant Director, Master of Science in Education
Degrees
- BS, Theater, Northwestern University, 1997
- MS, Education and Social Policy, Northwestern University, 2003

Faucette, Lauren
Senior Career Advisor, School of Education and Social Policy
Biography
Lauren Faucette is a higher education professional with a commitment to serving and supporting students, with a focus in career services and preparation. Prior to coming to the MSHE program, Lauren has experience in student preparation, career advising, and programming as a Director of Career Preparation at the University of Chicago’s Career Advancement office, as well as in executive recruiting for marketing analytics and data science professionals.
Degrees
- MS, Higher Education Administration, Northwestern University, 2014
- BA, Communications and Psychology, High Point University, 2006
I can help with:
- Career Advising and Support
- Professional Development Workshops
- Graduate Internship Program

Hoffman, Mark P.
Senior Academic Advisor and Enrollment Manager
Degrees
- JD, Chicago-Kent College of Law, 2009
- MS, Iowa State University, 1990
- BA, Colorado State University, 1987

Neary, Chris
Instructional Design and Technology Consultant
Degrees
- PhD, Educational Leadership, Iowa State University, 2019
- MA, Political Science, Iowa State University, 2015
- BA, Journalism, Michigan State University, 2009

Trautvetter, Lois
Director, Higher Education Administration and Policy
Professor, School of Education and Social Policy
Degrees
- MS, Polymer Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University
- BA, Chemistry, College of Wooster
- PhD, Higher Education Administration, University of Michigan
Research Interests
Engineering education research including retention and recruitment of female and underrepresented undergraduate students and faculty, interdisciplinary skills, contextual competence skills, and design and problem solving skills.
Faculty productivity, enhancing research and teaching, faculty motivation, enhancing faculty-student interaction, and new and junior faculty issues.
Student development research that includes holistic and spiritual development of undergraduates.
Gender issues, females in STEM disciplines.

Bauer, Andrew
Online Programs Content Manager, Center for Talent Development
Degrees

Cady, Elliott
Manager of Admissions, Assessment and Pathyways Advising, Center for Talent Development
Biography
Elliott Cady is Manager of Admissions, Assessment and Pathways Advising at Center for Talent Development. In addition to his 7 years with CTD, he brings with him 20 years of experience in the American public, international and non-profit education sectors. He completed his undergraduate degrees in economics and Spanish at Northwestern, returned to earn his master’s in education and is thrilled to be back on campus as part of the CTD team.
Degrees
- BA, Economics and Spanish, Northwestern University
- MS, Education and Social Policy, Northwestern University, 1997
I can help with:
- Navigating the admissions processes at CTD and assisting students and families with course selections that best align with their interests and educational needs

Calvert, Eric
Associate Director, Center for Talent Development
Instructor, Master of Science in Education
Degrees
- MSE, Educational Psychology - Gifted Emphasis, Purdue University
- BSE, Secondary Education, University of Central Missouri
- EdD, Leadership Studies, Bowling Green State University

Cichon, Kate
Coordinator of Academic Year Advanced Enrichment Programs, Center for Talent Development
Biography
Kate Cichon has proudly served youth, families and communities around the country since 2000. After moving to Chicago after college, Kate taught reading enrichment classes to students of all ages and trained and supervised new reading teachers. She spent several years developing and coordinating programs for students in grades 6 through 12 and their families at a public charter school on the south side of Chicago. In 2012 Kate joined Northwestern University's Center for Talent Development (CTD) team, where she coordinated summer residential programs for a number of years before moving into the position of Coordinator of Academic Year Advanced Enrichment Programs. Currently, Kate oversees CTD's weekend programming which focuses primarily on students pre-K through 8th grade.
Degrees
- BA, English, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, 1999

Corwith, Susan
Associate Director, Center for Talent Development
Instructor, Master of Science in Education
Degrees
- PhD, Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2007
- MS, Curriculum & Instruction, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1997
- BS, Secondary Education, English, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1994

Crowninshield, Linsey
Assistant Coordinator – Team Lead, Civic Education Project, Center for Talent Development
Degrees
- MS, Human Services Administration, Spertus College
- BA, Psychology and Education, Ripon College

Dirkes, Beth
Leapfrog Coordinator, Summer Program, Center for Talent Development
Degrees
- BS, Human Development and Social Policy, Northwestern University, 1985

Doan, Ruth
Equinox Coordinator, Summer Program, Center for Talent Development
Degrees
- MFA, Poetry, Western Michigan University
- BA, Secondary Education, Western Michigan University

Dowling, Stephen
Coordinator of Summer Programs, Grades 4-12, Center for Talent Development
Degrees
- MS, Higher Education Administration & Policy, Northwestern University, 2022
- MMEd, Music Education, Northwestern University, 2011
- BA, Music, Kenyon College, 2008
I can help with:
- Overseeing academic and residential operations for CTD's on-campus summer programs for grades 4-12, which welcome over 1600 students and 300 staff to Evanston every summer.

Flowers, Michelle
Financial Assistant, Center for Talent Development
Degrees
- AA, Business Administration, Robert Morris College

Goebel, Suzanne
Assistant Coordinator, Center for Talent Development
Degrees
- BA Peace, Justice, & Conflict Studies, DePaul University, 2013

Hammerman, Susan
Program Assistant, Center for Talent Development
Degrees
- Certificate, Chicago School of Violinmaking, 1987
- BS, Geography, University of Chicago, 1980
I can help with:
- Answering questions about the Advanced Enrichment program

Hinshaw, Melissa
Assessment Coordinator
Degrees

Holtz, Danielle
Assistant Coordinator for the Center for Talent Development
Degrees
- BA, Theatre Studies, Kent State University
- MAT, Elementary Education, Columbia College Chicago

House, Veronica
Program Assistant, Summer Program, Center for Talent Development
Degrees
- BS, Social Policy, Northwestern University, 2008

Ivanauskas, Gail
Senior Financial Administrator, Center for Talent Development
Degrees
- BS, Finance, Northern Illinois University
- MBA, Finance, DePaul University

Kasper, Susan
Program Coordinator, Gifted LearningLinks, Center for Talent Development
Degrees
- MS, Economics, Northern Illinois University
- BS, Economics, Northern Illinois University
I can help with:
- Assisting parents and students in determining the honors and/or AP® courses that best fit the student's needs

Lerga, Eudald
Lead Developer, Center for Talent Development
Degrees
- MS in Information Technology, Northwestern University, 2018
- MA, Curatorial and Cultural Practices in Art and New Media, Media Center d'Art i Disseny
- BA, Political Science, Complutense University

Lindgren, Amy
Assistant Coordinator – Team Lead Academic Year Advanced Enrichment Programs, Center for Talent Development
Degrees
- BA, Communication, International Business, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
- MS, Education and Social Policy, Northwestern University
I can help with:
- Providing instructional coaching and support for our program staff (site coordinators, teachers, and classroom assistants)

Morrison, Leslie
Coordinator of Summer Programs, PreK - Grade 5, Center for Talent Development
CTD Enrichment Curriculum Developer
Biography
Leslie Morrison earned her master’s degree in education, with a focus on curriculum and instruction, from the University of Illinois-Chicago. Leslie taught elementary and middle school for several years, and then entered the field of educational publishing, where she designed and wrote curriculum for preschool through grade 8. In 2010, Leslie served as an instructor in the Leapfrog Program at Center for Talent Development. Working with Leapfrog children and families turned her focus to gifted education, and, as Program Coordinator, she has opportunities to apply her background in education to working with students and their families, curriculum development, and program management.Degrees
- MEd, Curriculum and Instruction, University of Illinois-Chicago
- BSEd, Elementary Education, Loyola University

Olszewski-Kubilius, Paula
Professor, Education and Social Policy
Director, Center for Talent Development
Degrees
- PhD, Educational Psychology, Northwestern University, 1983
- MA, Educational Psychology, Northwestern University, 1981
- BA, Elementary Education, St. Xavier University, 1977
Research Interests
Talent development, accelerated educational programs, needs of special populations of gifted children.

Qureshi, MIshal
Program Assistant, Center for Talent Development
Degrees
- BA, International Studies, DePaul University, 2015
I can help with:
- Providing programmatic, logistical, and front-line communication support to the Center for Talent Development's Civic Education Project, Online Program, and Summer 4 - 12 Program

Rentfro, Mark
Program Assistant – Admissions, Assessment, and Pathways Advising, Center for Talent Development
Degrees

Rosen, Rhoda
Associate Director, Center for Talent Development
Degrees
- BA, MA, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
- PhD, University of Illinois at Chicago

Steenbergen-Hu, Saiying
Research Director, Center for Talent Development
Research Associate Professor, Education and Social Policy
Degrees
- PhD, Educational Psychology, Purdue University, 2009
- MA, University of Science & Technology of China, 2000
Research Interests
Academic achievement, psychological and social-emotional development, educational measurement and assessment, meta-analysis and research synthesis, quantitative research methods, executive functions, gifted education and talent development

Stewart, Tammie
Outreach Manager, Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Young Scholars, Center for Talent Development
Degrees
- Coaching Certification, ELOC, Northwestern University
- MS, Communication, Northwestern University
- BA, Communications, Northern Illinois University
I can help with:
- Assisting and supporting students, families, schools and organizations as they learn about the opportunities provided through the Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholars Program and the Center for Talent Development

Sui, Qili
Developer
Degrees
- BS, Computer Science, DePaul Univeristy

Tryling, Nick
Assistant Coordinator – Team Lead, Grades 6-8, Center for Talent Development
Senior Editor, RHINO poetry
Degrees
- MFA, Creative Writing, The American University
- BA, Studio Art and English Literature, Austin College
I can help with:
- Creating high quality educational experiences for academically talented middle school students and their families.

Wall Succari, Lindsay
Coordinator, Civic Education Project, Center for Talent Development
Biography
Lindsay was introduced to the power of service-learning as a high school student volunteering in rural Appalachia. Since then, she has facilitated and designed service-learning and leadership programming as a City Year corps member in Cleveland, OH, and at sites across the country for thousands of student leaders. Lindsay also has experience with youth organizing and community development, both in the U.S. and internationally. As Coordinator of CTD’s Civic Education Project, Lindsay gets to help provide educational opportunities for students to learn more about themselves and the world around them.
Degrees
- MSSA, Social Work and Nonprofit Management, Case Western Reserve University
- BA, Economics and Political Science, Augustana College

Wielgosz, Michelle
Assistant Program Coordinator, Weekend Enrichment Program
Degrees
- Masters in Education, Columbia College Chicago, 2007
Brown, Larry
Lead Developer
Degrees
- BA, Computer Information Systems, Western Michigan University, 2001

Coleman, Coleen
Associate Dean, School of Education and Social Policy
Degrees
- BS, Communication, Northwestern University, 1988
- MS, Education and Social Policy, Northwestern University, 1991

Deardorff, Julie
Director of Communications and Outreach
Degrees
- MBA, University of Iowa
- BA, Journalism, University of Iowa

Drey, Steve
Lead UX Designer/Digital Strategist
Degrees
- BA in Art - Emphasis in Design - Art Education Teaching Certification, University of Iowa, 1999

Etienne, Keisha
Financial Administrator
Degrees
- M.S, Public Service Management , DePaul University , 2012
- BA, Social Science Interdisciplinary with a concentration in legal studies. Minor in English, University at Buffalo, 2007

Figlio, David
Dean, School of Education and Social Policy
Orrington Lunt Professor of Education and Social Policy
Faculty Fellow, Institute for Policy Research
Degrees
- PhD, Economics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1995
- MS, Economics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1992
- BS, Business Economics and Public Policy, George Washington University, 1991
Research Interests
Accountability policy; economics of education; teacher quality; teacher labor markets; anti-poverty policy; intergenerational transmission of human capital; evaluation design.

Gibson, Carrie
Program Assistant
Degrees
- MA, School Counseling, University of San Francisco
- BA, Sociology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Gillespie, Russell
User Support Specialist, School of Education and Social Policy
Degrees
- MA, Sound Arts and Industries, Northwestern University, 2018
- BA, Music in Composition, Oakland University, 2005

Hannen, Michael
Director, Information Technology, School of Education and Social Policy
Degrees
- MS, Computer Science, University of Chicago, 2008
- BFA, Theater, DePaul University, 1994

Hughes, Jeanne
Assistant Dean for Research
Degrees
- BA, Grinnell College

Johnson, David
Director of Marketing, School of Education and Social Policy
Degrees
- MSC, Communication, Northwestern University
- MEd, Higher Education Administration, Upper Iowa University
- BS, Marketing, Indiana University

Kellams, Karen
Program Assistant, Doctoral Student Affairs
Program Coordinator, Office of the Dean
Degrees
- BA, Journalism, Eastern Illinois University, 1996

Kerins, Anne
Director of Business and Finance
Degrees
- MS in Library and Information Science, University of Illinois
- AB, Kenyon College

King, De-Anthony
Director of Development
Degrees
- MBA, Operations Management: Supply chain/logistics, Quinlan School of Business, Loyola University Chicago, 2009
- BS, Computer Science, Shaw University, 1999
- BS, Mathematics, Shaw University, 1999

Nix, Ryan
Senior IT Consultant, School of Education and Social Policy
Degrees
- BS, Organizational Communication, Minor in Marketing, Southern Illinois University, 1998
- MS in Computer Information Studies (in progress), Northwestern University

Olson, Susan
Assistant Dean, Student Affairs
Degrees
- MA, College Student Personnel, University of Maryland - College Park
- AB, Albion College, Speech Communication

Pratt, Amy
Assistant Dean for Community Education Partnerships
Degrees
- PhD, Geography, West Virginia University, 2006
- MA, Geography, West Virginia University, 1999
- BA, International Studies, West Virginia University, 1995

Redfearn, Megan
Director, Faculty Support and Doctoral Student Affairs
Degrees
- BA, Environmental Geo-science, Boston College
- MS, Learning & Organizational Change, Northwestern University, 2012

Robinson Miner, Carmen
Senior Research Administrator
Degrees

Salus, Laura
Executive Assistant to the Dean
Degrees
- BA, English, Pace University
- MS, Teaching, Pace University
- MA, Literature, Northwestern University

Wagner, Matt
Associate Research Administrator
Degrees
- BA, Politics, Messiah College, 2014
- BA, Music Composition, Messiah College, 2014

Weidman, Melissa
Director of Administration
Degrees
- M.Ed., Instructional Leadership, University of Illinois-Chicago, 2009
- BA, Education, Eastern Kentucky University , 2006
Drey, Steve
Lead UX Designer/Digital Strategist
Degrees
- BA in Art - Emphasis in Design - Art Education Teaching Certification, University of Iowa, 1999

Gillespie, Russell
User Support Specialist, School of Education and Social Policy
Degrees
- MA, Sound Arts and Industries, Northwestern University, 2018
- BA, Music in Composition, Oakland University, 2005

Hannen, Michael
Director, Information Technology, School of Education and Social Policy
Degrees
- MS, Computer Science, University of Chicago, 2008
- BFA, Theater, DePaul University, 1994

Kenly, Pauline
User Support Specialist, Sr.
Degrees
- MS Library Information Science, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 2013
- BS Information Systems, DePaul University, 1999

Lerga, Eudald
Lead Developer, Center for Talent Development
Degrees
- MS in Information Technology, Northwestern University, 2018
- MA, Curatorial and Cultural Practices in Art and New Media, Media Center d'Art i Disseny
- BA, Political Science, Complutense University
Burnett, Caitlin
Senior Academic Adviser
Degrees
- MS, Higher Education Administration and Policy, Northwestern University
- BS, Journalism, Northwestern University

Frideres, Nathan
Senior Practicum Adviser
Coordinator, Civic Engagement Certificate Program
Degrees
- MA, Student Development in Postsecondary Education, University of Iowa
- BA, Elementary Education, University of Iowa

Johnson, Shelena
Senior Academic Adviser
Degrees
- MAT, Urban Teacher Education Program,, The University of Chicago, 2012
- BS, Human Services, Loyola University Chicago, 2010
- BA, Sociology, Loyola University Chicago, 2010

Kreuser, Meg
Manager, Teacher Certification and Licensure
Academic Adviser
Degrees
- BA, English - Secondary Education, Indiana State University

Logan, Regina
Assistant Professor of Instruction and Adviser
Degrees
- MA, French Language and Literature, University of Wisconsin, 1971
- AB, French Language and Literature, University of Michigan, 1970
- PhD, Human Development and Social Policy, Northwestern University, 1993
- MA, Teaching & Learning Processes, Northwestern University, 1984
Research Interests
Stability and change over time in adulthood, especially during midlfe and beyond: wisdom, regret and life themes; gender differences in these areas.

Olson, Susan
Assistant Dean, Student Affairs
Degrees
- MA, College Student Personnel, University of Maryland - College Park
- AB, Albion College, Speech Communication

Powers, Ken
Senior Academic Adviser
Degrees
- BS in Social Policy, School of Education and Social Policy, Northwestern University
- Master's in Public Policy (MPP), American University

Tucker, Jasmine
Program Coordinator
Degrees
- M.A. Cultural and Educational Policy, Loyola University Chicago, 2015
- B.A. Sociology , Howard University, 2013
Anderson, Eleanor
Lecturer & Research Fellow
Degrees
- BA, Linguistics, Yale University, 2006
- PhD, Learning Sciences, Northwestern University, 2017
Research Interests
How do educational innovations get implemented, institutionalized and scaled up in K-12 schools? How do micro-level social and material interactions constitute, facilitate or obstruct these processes?
More specifically, my dissertation focused on changing models of school discipline.
, My research program addresses the broad questions: How are research-based programs and policies developed, translated, implemented, and scaled up? What modes of reinforcement and reproduction support persistence and change in existing practices? How might researchers work with teachers, school leaders and policymakers to better bridge the 'research-practice gap'?
I investigate these questions in empirical contexts ranging from comprehensive school reforms, to online teacher PD, to research-practice partnerships, with a special focus on school-based restorative justice practices.

Baker, Jeremy
Software Developer
Degrees
- MS in Computer Science, Northeastern Illinois University, 2014
- BS in Mathematics, Illinois State University, 2005

Banerjee, Amartya
UI/UX Research Scientist
Degrees
- Ph.D. | Computer Science, Northwestern University, 2018
- M.Sc. |, Queen's University (Canada), 2012

Baran, Aneta
Learning Experiences Coordinator
Learning Experience Coordinator
Degrees
- BS in Interactive and Social Media (design), DePaul University

Brandes, Aaron
Developer
Degrees

Buell, Jason
Degrees
- PhD STEM Education, University of Colorado Boulder, 2020
- BA Psychology, University of California San Diego, 2001

Edwards, Kelsey
Research Program Coordinator
Degrees
- BS, Human Dev & Psych Services, Northwestern University, 2013

Ellison, Zena
Senior Research Study Coordinator
Degrees
- MA, Public Policy Administration, Northwestern University, 2009
- BA, Sociology, University of Georgia, 2001

Elston, Bethany
Senior Research Study Coordinator
Degrees
- Masters of Social Work and Social Welfare, University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration, 2011
- BS, Education and Social Policy, Northwestern University, 2004

Freetly, James
Program Assistant, FUSE
Degrees
- B.A. Honors Philosophy, Gustavus Adolphus, 2012

Gansen, Heidi
Postdoctoral Fellow
Degrees
- Ph.D. in Sociology, University of Michigan, 2018
- M.A. in Sociology, University of Michigan, 2015
- M.A. in Sociology, University of Northern Iowa, 2013
- B.A. in Sociology and Criminology, University of Northern Iowa, 2011

Salgado, Cassandra
Director, Northwestern Academy for Chicago Public Schools
Degrees
- MEd, School Counseling, DePaul University
- BA, Psychology, DePaul University

Goren, Paul
Director and Lecturer, Center for Education Efficacy, Excellence, and Equity
Degrees
- PhD - Stanford University School of Education (1991)
- Master of Public Affairs - The LBJ School of Public Affairs, The University of Texas-Austin (1984)
- BA - Williams College (1980)
Research Interests
Implementation of Education Policy in Districts and Schools; School Districts as Learning Organizations; Understanding the linkages between policy and practice; leadership in public schools.

Haverly, Christa
Postdoctoral Scholar
Degrees
- Ph.D., Michigan State University, 2019
- M.S., Nova Southeastern University, 2008
- B.A., Boston College, 2002

Hinshaw, Melissa
Assessment Coordinator
Degrees

Hoddinott, Jamie
Research Study Coordinator
Degrees
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Human Development , DePaul University , 2017

Housman, Gail
Curriculum Development Specialist
Degrees

Hsu, Joy
Post Baccalaureate Research Fellow
Degrees
- B.S. Communication Studies and Psychology, Northwestern University, 2020

Hu, Sihua (Adrienne)
Postdoctoral Fellow
Degrees
- PhD, Mathematics Education, Michigan State University, 2016
- MS, Statistics, Michigan State University, 2015
- BS, Mathematics and Statistics, Sichuan University, 2010
Research Interests
Mathematics and statistics education, observational measures of teaching quality, teachers' engagement and social networks in virtual spaces

Jenkins, Stuart Takiar
Consultant
I can help with:
- Econometric Analyses
- Big Data Pipelines

Murzynski, Christina
Research Study Coordinator, SESP
Degrees
- Psychology, B.A., Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, 2018

Noll, Jamie
Curriculum Development Specialist
Degrees
- Masters in Teaching, University of Washington, 2011
- Bachelors of Science, Dickinson College, 2005

Peel, Amanda
Postdoctoral Scholar
Degrees
- Learning, Teaching, and Curriculum; Science Education Emphasis Ph.D., University of Missouri, 2019
- Molecular Biology M.S., New Mexico State University, 2015
- Agricultural Biology B.S., New Mexico State University, 2012

Perkins, Lizzie
Director, FUSE
Degrees
- B.S. in Theatre, Northwestern University

Pitts, Abigail
Research Analyst
Degrees
- MS, Data Science, Northwestern University, 2020
- BA, International Relations/Economics, Wellesley College, 2017

Ramey, Kay
Postdoctoral Fellow
Degrees
- MA, Social Sciences, University of Chicago, 2010
- BA, Psychology and Art Theory & Practice, Northwestern University, 2007
- PhD, Learning Sciences, Northwestern University, 2017
Research Interests
My research examines how young people organize their own learning and how to design spaces and activities that allow them to do so. Most of this research has been conducted in the context of STEAM activities and maker spaces, drawing on my own personal background in the arts. One line of my work investigates interest development and the role of interest in learning. This includes how interest-driven learning supports the development of 21st century skills, how young people pursue interests and learning across contextual boundaries, and how interest-driven learning environments might support equitable engagement. A second line of work examines how young people organize and make use of social and material resources to make sense of spatial phenomena. And a third line examines how educators make sense of and adapt innovative educational programming to meet their needs and the needs of their students, including adapting to a need for remote instruction.
My work is informed by a range of both cognitive and socio-cultural perspectives on learning, but primarily draws upon distributed perspectives on thinking and learning. As a result my current work is primarily qualitative, relying on video-ethnographic and interaction analysis methods. However, I also have a background in quantitative analysis, and have conducted a number of mixed methods studies.

Rompilla, David
Research Project Coordinator
Degrees
- MA, Experimental Psychology, Towson University, 2017
- BA, Psychology, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania , 2015
Research Interests
Emotion Regulation, Emotion, Motivation

Russak-Pribble, Aubrey
Research Study Assistant
Degrees
- BS, behavioral neuroscience, Centre College, 2016

Sheaff, Colin
Web Software Developer
Degrees
- BA, Computer Science, Kalamazoo College, 1997

Stevens, Anne
Creative Director, FUSE
Degrees
- BFA, Printmaking and Drawing, California College of the Arts
- MA, Visual Studies, University of California at Berkeley

Thompson, Naomi
Postdoctoral Scholar
Degrees
- PhD Learning Sciences, Indiana University 2020
- MSEd Learning Sciences, Indiana University 2017
- BA Psychology, University of Alabama 2013

Ward, Brian
Academy Advisor, Northwestern Academy
Degrees
- M.Ed Educational Policy Studies, University of Illinois at Chicago
- B.S. Communications, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

West, Melanie
Curriculum Development Specialist
Degrees
- MPS Interactive Telecommunications, New York University, Tisch School of the Arts, 1995
- BS Music & Electrical Engineering, Rutgers University, 1982

Wu, Sally
Curriculum Development Specialist
Degrees
- PhD, Educational Psychology—Learning Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2019
- BA, Psychology, Haverford College, 2011
Yin, Michelle
Director, Dual Masters of Science in Applied Economics and Social and Economic Policy
Assistant Professor, SESP
Degrees
- PhD, Economics, University of Florida, 2010
- MA, Economics, University of Florida, 2006
- BA, Finance, Capital University of Economics and Business, 2004
Research Interests
Social inclusion of children with disabilities, disability employment, diversity and equity of people with disabilities; teacher effectiveness in adult education, return on investment of higher education; high school and college course taking patterns and STEM enrollment and career pathway