Ritu Radhakrishnan, Chair
Department of Curriculum & Instruction

After graduating from Carleton College in Northfield, MN, I began my commitment with Teach For America (TFA) in rural North Carolina. After I completed my commitment with TFA, I taught middle school humanities (language arts/social studies) in Princeton, NJ and Athens, GA. I received my Master’s in Middle School Education from the University of Georgia, and I remain a die-hard Georgia Bulldogs fan!

My research interests include the critical theory and pedagogy/the hidden curriculum, social studies education, and social justice education through the arts. Specifically, I hope my works provides advocacy for students whose backgrounds are not acknowledged and celebrated in today’s schools. I’m currently a fourth year PhD student, and I am working on my dissertation. This is an interpretive/qualitative study that examines how an arts-infused curriculum can help foster social justice and shape students' learning experiences.

For the past three years, I’ve also served as the Editorial Assistant for the Research in the Teaching of English Journal, taught in the Early Childhood and Elementary Programs, and served as the Coordinator and Research Assistant for the After-School Arts Program. 

Why I became involved with this year’s conference committee:
When I began my doctoral studies, I was extremely grateful for advanced doctoral students' assistance and guidance. I presented at the very first graduate student conference, and enjoyed being able to discuss my research with students and faculty in other departments.  I hope to continue to foster a sense of collegiality and collaboration within the College through the conference.

Blanca Rincon, Committee Member
Department of Education Policy, Organization & Leadership

I am a first year doctoral student in the Department of Education Policy, Organization and Leadership at the University of Illinois. My research interests include issues of access and retention for underrepresented students in higher education, specifically within Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). I have been a research assistant for Project STEM Trends in Enrollment and Persistence for Underrepresented Populations (STEP-UP) for three years. My contributions have led to collaborative presentations at the Association for the Study of Higher Education and the American Education Research Association, which resulted in recognition for my scholarship. I am a recipient of the National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowship which will allow me to pursue my own research efforts that will examine climate issues for Latina/o students within STEM. In addition to my scholarship, I am also a founding member of the Graduate Organization of Latina/o Students (GOLS) at the University of Illinois. GOLS seeks to promote a sense of community for Latina/o graduate students, activism within the community, as well as mentorship for undergraduate students. 

Why I became involved with this year’s conference committee:
Last year I had the opportunity to present my research at the 2nd annual College of Education Graduate Student Conference (COEGSC). This experience motivated me to become more involved within the College and to contribute to this year’s conference as a committee member. I hope that my hard work, dedication, and unique ideas will contribute to the COEGSC committee’s goal of incorporating all members of the College of Education community and providing a positive space for graduate students to present their scholarship.

Mi Yun Suh, Committee Member
Department of Curriculum & Instruction

I am a first year Master’s student in the Department of Curriculum & Instruction. I served as an intern with Arirang TV, a Korean international television network, where I organized English and Korean scripts based on the daily program production schedule. My participation in different student organizations throughout my college career resulted in many recognitions, including being the recipient of the Outstanding Leadership Award at Iowa State University. I graduated from Iowa State University with a B.A. degree in Political Science and English and a minor in Biology.

Why I became involved with this year’s conference committee:
As a first year graduate student, I sought the opportunity to become involved with the graduate student community through serving on this year’s Graduate Student Conference committee. Even though I did not participate in the first two graduate conferences, I am happy to serve on the planning committee and hope to get to know my peers and faculty in the College of Education.

Sarah Ballard, Committee Member
Department of Special Education

I am a first year doctoral student in the Department of Special Education at the University of Illinois. My research interests include Universal Design for Learning, augmentative and alternative communication and access to the general education curriculum for secondary-level students with multiple and severe disabilities.

Why I became involved with this year’s conference committee:
I got involved because I like how COEGSC promotes community, dialogue and collaboration among graduate students across departmental boundaries. The conference is an exciting opportunity for graduate students to connect, share and learn from one another.