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John Burrell is a third-year doctoral student at the Renzulli Center for Creativity, Giftedness, and Talent Development at the University of Connecticut. He takes a mixed methods approach to his research. John currently serves as a research assistant on Project EAGLE, a $2.9 million project developing a dynamic approach to equitably identify gifted English Learners (ELs). John's research interests include executive functions and study skills, mathematical education, self and identity, and conceptions of giftedness and talent development. In line with his belief that research and teaching are mutually reinforcing endeavors, John serves on the faculty of the Andover Summer Program at Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts. John has nine years of experience teaching middle school and high math, science, and study skills. Advisor: Del Siegle. |
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Kelly Dausel Advisor: Catherine Little. |
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Casey Hogan is a second-year doctoral student at University of Connecticuts' Renzulli Center for Giftedness, Creativity, and Talent Development. Before coming to UConn, Casey was a teacher and instructional coach in New York City for fifteen years. She received her B.A. from Duke University in psychology and Spanish and holds a master’s degree in psychology in education from Teachers College and a master's in teaching from Empire State College. Casey is currently working with her advisor, Dr. Catherine Little, on the Javits' funded Project Focus investigating high-quality discourse and teacher self-efficacy. Her research interests include reading curriculum and instruction, urban education, supporting advanced learners in mixed-ability classrooms, and giftedness in underserved populations. Advisor: Catherine Little. |
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Shannon McDonald is a doctoral candidate, course instructor, and graduate assistant researcher for Project Focus (PI: Dr. Catherine Little). She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching in Gifted Education and Equitable Instruction, a two-year post-baccalaureate certificate in secondary education, and a B.A. in English Literature. As former middle and high school English language arts teacher, Shannon taught in Washington State classrooms designed to support the needs of students with advanced abilities. Her research interests focus on talent development, with particular attention to psychosocial development and family support. Advisor: Catherine Little. |
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Shuyu Wang is a second-year Giftedness, Creativity, and Talent Development Program doctoral student. She received her M.A. from Hainan Normal University in Curriculum and Instruction and her M.S. from Missouri State University in Educational Technology. She had one and a half years of work experience in ICT-supported instructional design and teacher training programs. Her research focuses on human creativity in fanfiction and the collaborative creative between human and generative artificial intelligence. Advisor: James Kaufman. |
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Jimmy Wilson is a 2nd year doctoral student in Educational Psychology at UConn's Renzulli Center for Creativity, Talent Development and Gifted Education. He has taught creative writing, English, and ESL in rural and urban Title 1 schools in Texas for the past decade and has his M.Ed. from Southern Methodist University. He currently works with his advisor, Dr. Catherine Little, on the Javits' funded Project Focus investigating high quality discourse, and as the emerging scholar in residence for the podcast Fueling Creativity in Education. He is also a fellow for NSF TRANSCEND educational neuroscience PhD training program. At 6’8” he is easy to spot and always willing to chat about his research interests on creativity, equity, and neurodiversity, or his adorable dog, Luke. Advisor: Catherine Little. |
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Mei Zheng is a fifth-year doctoral student in the Giftedness, Creativity, and Talent Development program. She received her M.A. from Pace University in General Psychology. She is a research assistant for the National Center for Research on Gifted Education. Her research focuses on people's beliefs about creativity and motivation, including laypersons’ beliefs about creativity, the links between creativity and meaning, and the role of motivation in creative engagement as a source of meaning. Advisor: James Kaufman. |