MCE Quarterly Newsletter - Winter 2024

WINTER QUARTERLY

NEWSLETTER2024

Greetings from Dean Knight-Manuel

DearMCECommunity,

AswelookforwardtotheSpringQuarter,Iwishto congratulatetheMCEcommunityonasuccessful andproductiveWinterquarter–therehavebeen someincredibleachievements Ourfacultyand staffcontinuetoengageasacommunityto provideamazingopportunitiesforalltothrive For example,youwillreadaboutmanynewinitiatives thatwerelaunchedtosupportourMCE community.Additionally,manyhavetraveledto nationalandinternationalconferences-presenting,connecting,andfurtheringthelocal andglobalimpactmissionofMCE

Iamcontinuallyinspiredbythededicationand reachofourfacultyscholarship.Dr.Krystyna Matusiak,ProfessorandDepartmentChairof ResearchMethodsandInformationScience, travelledrecentlytotheVaticanCity,whereshe deliveredakeynoteaddressaspartofthe InternationalFederationofLibraryAssociations andInstitutionsMidtermMeeting Atthe upcomingAmericanEducationalResearch AssociationConference(AERA),wehaveover40 ofourfacultyandstudentsrepresentingMCE.

Inthemidstofcontinuedrestrictionsand eliminationofdiversity,equityandinclusion

acros y p highlight the importance of the policies, programs, and people impacted in our DEIJA work. At MCE, we made a recent decision to expand DEIJ to DEIJA, to include Accessibility DEIJA is a core pillar on which MCE stands, and our commitment to expand our our communities of impact is ever present as we live out our mission to be a positive force for change in the lives of those who have been, and continue to be, oppressed due to one’s identities and lived experiences. Finally, we want to note the launch of a new DEIJA council for faculty and staff. We hope that you will join in support of our community In other news, we hosted our Winter Retreat We focused on wellness and fostering a community of care It was an incredibly successful day, and amazing to witness so many of our MCE faculty and staff joyfully coming together. The day involved mindfulness activities, creative sessions

In the midst of continued restrictions and elimination of diversity, equity and inclusion across the country, it is imperative that we highlight the importance of the policies, programs, and people impacted in our DEIJA work At MCE, we made a recent decision to expand DEIJ to DEIJA, to include Accessibility DEIJA is a core pillar on which MCE stands, and our commitment to expand our our communities of impact is ever present as we live out our mission to be a positive force for change in the lives of those who have been, and continue to be, oppressed due to one’s identities and lived experiences. Finally, we want to note the launch of a new DEIJA council for faculty and staff We hope that you will join in support of our community

In other news, we hosted our Winter Retreat. We focused on wellness and fostering a community of care. It was an incredibly successful day, and amazing to witness so many of our MCE faculty and staff joyfully coming together.

The day involved mindfulness activities, creative sessions exploring the theme of ‘care’, and many inspiration insights on where MCE is now and our future direction. Our focus on the wellness of our community will continue to be collaboratively created and implemented as we come together to support our individual and collective thriving

In closing, I hope you find time to celebrate yourself and all of who you are as you live, work, and teach at this moment in history. We have many exciting college-wide events and celebrations coming up for our community such as Admitted Student Day, the first School Board Symposium, retirement celebrations, and our hooding and award ceremonies I look forward to seeing you there and celebrating with all of you- our incredible faculty, staff, students, and alumni.

Warmly,

Michelle Knight-Manuel Michelle

FACULTY RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT

In Dr McCullough's substantive research, they have sought to blend critical theories, media studies, and psychology to critically examine media texts and their psychological effects. Their quantitative research explores the relationships between media consumption and psychological and mental health outcomes among marginalized groups. Qualitatively, they examine how psychological constructs such as identities, attitudes, and ideologies are constructed in and through media texts.

As principal investigator, and as a coauthor, Dr. McCullough often publishes within Asian American psychology and gender studies (e.g., men and masculinities).

In Dr. McCullough's methodological work, they largely focus on critical discursive psychology as theory and method alongside visual methods. These writings provide guidance on how to use visual and verbal data to study constructs like gender, race, and identity.

DR. KEIKO MCCULLOUGH

Get to know Dr. McCullough via their recent podcast episode! They discuss their research, professional journey, and advice for graduate students.

SERVICE HIGHLIGHT

As a Clinical Associate Professor in the Curriculum Instruction and Teacher Education Programs, I value service at the program, school, and university level. At the university and college level, I currently serve as the Teaching and Learning Sciences Associate Chair, Faculty Senate representative, Teaching Excellence Committee member, and previously filled in on the Faculty Executive Committee

I have made the greatest impact in my collaborative service opportunities at the program level where I codeveloped with colleagues these initiatives:

The Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) Education endorsement and specialization,

The CLD and Gifted Education course and English Learner Pathway with Dr. Lindsey Reinert,

The Colorado Department of Education endorsed science of reading course that aligns evidence-based literacy practices with the needs of multilingual learners with doctoral student Anna Handy.

DR. KIMBERLY SCHMIDT

These service opportunities at the program level have led me to my current desire to increase literacy access and equitable practices for all students and communities in a variety of multilingual, international communities.

2024 RESEARCH GRANT HIGHLIGHTS

DANIELA ALVAREZ-VARGAS

National Academy of Education “Co-Designing [LT]2 Math Activities with Families,” $112,903

JILLIAN BLUEFORD

Community-Engaged Teaching Funds, (CCESL) $2,000

DORIS CANDELARIE

MCE Flowback Grant: “Latina educational leadership: Successes and challenges – a Colorado perspective,” $7,652.36

DAVE FURJINAC

MCE Flowback Grant: “Exploring the effects of race & ethnicity identifiers on academic progress monitoring decisions,” $7,994.33

STACY PINTO

MCE Flowback Grant: “Intentional school climate for LGBTGEQIAP+Youth,” $8,000 and Faculty Research Fund (FRF) $3,000

DEVADRITA TALAPATRA

Society for the Study of School Psychology “SSSP Shapiro Mid-Career Research Award (MCRA),” $3,997

NORMA HAFENSTEIN, RASHIDA BANERJEE, LINDSEY REINERT

MCE Flowback Grant:“Interdisciplinary P-12 twiceexceptional issues and trends (Project 2E)”

KEIKO MCCULLOUGH AND YIXIAO DONG

MCE Flowback Grant: “When racism goes viral: Measuring vicarious exposures to violent racism and connections to adverse psychological outcomes”, $7,98754

MCE PROPOSAL TIMELINE

*We adapted this visual from The University of Arizona’s College of Education. Many thanks to Amy Livingston, Emilia Clayton, Maria Salazar, and Keren Dali who partnered with Elaine Belansky to put this together

AERA ANNUAL MEETING

The 2024 American Educational Research Association (AERA) Annual Meeting in Philadelphia is fast approaching - April 11 to 14. MCE is proud to share that we have over 40 of our faculty, students, and alumni presenting this year, and we invite you to join us in supporting our presenters For the full list of presentations, please click here

We also invite you to attend the Colorado Reception, details and the link to register are below. Book Signing: Michelle Knight-Manuel

ALUMNI & ADVANCEMENT HIGHLIGHT

MARIBETH WALDREP DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

INTRODUCING THE NEW MCE ADVANCEMENT TEAM

Greetings from MCE’s new Advancement Team: Director of Development Maribeth Waldrep, Senior Director of Alumni Engagement Katelin Ybanez, and PartTime Development Coordinator Sarah O’Rourke!

We work together to support the advancement functions for the school –including alumni engagement, volunteerism, events, philanthropic giving, and supporting overall success.

You can find us in the 3rd floor business suite, Office #317. Please stop by and say hello or reach out with any questions. We would also love to grab coffee and learn more about your work! In our first few months at MCE, we have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know many of you in the community For those we have yet to meet, we look forward to learning how we can best partner with you.

KATELIN YBANEZ SENIOR DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT

April will be an exciting month as DU prepares for the public launch of its billion-dollar philanthropic campaign We invite you to come represent MCE and attend The Denver Difference Campaign Launch Celebration on April 19! This landmark, immersive event will showcase many highlights from across the DU campus and our impact in Denver and beyond - including some of the great work happening at MCE!

Learn more and register here: SummaryThe Denver Difference Community Launch Celebration (du.edu) Your support is vital, and we would love to see you there and connect with you at this event!

Departmental Highlights DEPARTMENTAL HIGHLIGHTS

COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY

DR. PAT GARRIOTT

Dr. Pat Garriott was featured in an interview for an online series of features on scholars and administrators in education whose research and practice contribute to the advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion

Dr. Keiko McCullough

Dr Keiko McCullough was featured on the Research Sense for Korean American Therapy podcast They discuss their journey into academia and provide tips for students considering this path

2024 MULTICULTURAL CONFERENCE AND SUMMIT

Counseling Psychology program faculty and students presented at the 2024 Multicultural Conference and Summit in Santa Fe, New Mexico

(Please see below):

Brownstone,L.M.,Hunsicker,M.J.,&Norling,H.N.(20 dietculturefrompsychotherapy[RoundtableDiscussion].NationalMulticultural ConferenceandSummit,SantaFe,NM

Cool,J.,Stennes,J.,&Brownstone,L.M.(2024,January18-19).Understanding disorderedeatingintransgenderandgenderdiverseindividuals[Roundtable Discussion].NationalMulticulturalConferenceandSummit,SantaFe,NM.

Sawhney,A,Brownstone,L M,&McCullough,K (2024,January18-19) Combating cancelcultureintheclassroomwithaloveethic,humanizingpedagogy,andradical hope[RoundtableDiscussion].NationalMulticulturalConferenceandSummit,Santa Fe,NM.

HIGHER EDUCATION

MILE HIGHER ED PODCAST

Many thanks to Dr Sarah Hurtado and PhD student Caitlyn Potter Glaser for envisioning and implementing HED’s very own podcast series! There are six episodes up on our website now.

Dr. Cecilia Orphan has continued speaking about regional public universities (RPUs), most recently at Western Carolina University and upcoming at Boise State University on humanizing education for RPUs. Dr. Orphan was also quoted extensively in a report on RPUs sponsored by The Chronicle of Higher Education. Dr. Stewart was also a featured guest on the most recent episode of About Campus magazine’s ‘Round About Campus podcast with HED PhD alum, Dr. Ryan Barone!

You can also find our faculty leading and contributing elsewhere around campus! Coming this spring, Dr. Laura Sponsler was accepted to present at the Internationalization Summit on “Intentionally Internationalizing Teaching and Learning.” And Dr. Stewart was also part of the panel of faculty who helped lead the Provost’s Conversation on “The Role and Value of Higher Education in a Democracy” on March 1st.

Our faculty are also engaged beyond the department and university. Dr. Chris Nelson has spent part of her sabbatical leave this year working with Fort Lewis College in Durango to support their Indigenous student success initiatives.

The engagement doesn’t stop with our faculty either! We are excited that Alice Kanyama (PhD student) is leading a team of other student scholars from MCE and CAHSS on an engagement project grant funded by ACE-UP and CCESL to support the educational persistence of girls in Malawi. They are mentored on this project by Dr. Stewart. Our students are also involved with faculty on their scholarship Essa Njie, Katie Kleinhesselink (both PhD students), and Dr. Orphan were awarded a grant from the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO) to study adequacy and equity in state funding models for higher education, focused especially on RPUs and Minority-Serving Institutions.

RESEARCH METHODS AND INFORMATION SCIENCE

The RMS program recently organized a student mixer on Leap Day to provide students with a chance to connect outside of their regular classes and build a sense of community. Additionally, the program arranged two popular lunch and learn sessions focused on career advancement and writing skills Sessions offered valuable insights for students' professional and academic development These initiatives highlight the program's commitment to holistic education and supporting students beyond traditional coursework.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT EVENTS

The LIS program hosted several professional development events hosted by the student organizations The Student Chapter of the American Library Association (ALA) hosted a webinar with the ALA president, Emily Drabinski focused on intellectual freedom and the challenges of book banning.

The ALA Student Chapter also offered two online workshops on preparing for academic library careers.

RECENT PUBLICATIONS

LOCAL MEDIA

The LIS program was also featured in the local Denver media Ashley Brown, the Manager of the LIS online program, and Dr Matusiak were interviewed for the article in the Denver Post, Colorado librarians are now front-line crisis workers, managing homeless patrons, mental illness, book-banners and for a news piece in the Denver 7 news piece.

The RMIS faculty have been actively contributing to the scholarship in their fields. Please click here to read the full list of publications:

Dr. Spencer Acadia

Dr Shimelis Assefa

Dr. Keren Dali

Dr Yixiao Dong

Dr. Krystyna Matusiak

TEACHING AND LEARNING SCIENCES

The department of Teaching and Learning Sciences has been busy with a number of tasks including:

State and national accreditations for School Psychology and Teacher Education (American Psychological Association, Colorado Department of Education, National Association of School Psychology, Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, and National Council on Accreditation of Teacher Education)

The early stages of moving all Curriculum and Instruction courses from three to four credits

Proposing an alternative licensure program for Teacher Education, an EdS program in School Psychology supporting rural districts, and updating curriculum changes.

Teaching and Learning Sciences students and faculty continue their active scholarship including conference presentation, peer reviewed publications, consulting with the schools and districts, and grant proposals

Prospective students are attracted to our programs for the following reasons, our deep commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Accessibility work in teaching, mentoring, and scholarship, national and international reputation of faculty, and the integration of theory/practice in courses and learning experiences.

FISHER EARLY LEARNING CENTER

Marchhasarrivedinfullswing,markingamonthofachievementsandprogressatFisher.Oneofthe excitingdevelopmentsisthecompletionofFisher'sfirstCurriculumMissionStatementbythe CurriculumCommittee,comprisingdedicatedteachingstaffmembers Thisaccomplishmentwasthe resultofayear-longcollaborativeeffort,reflectingthedeepcommitmentandexpertiseofourteam.

TheCurriculumMissionStatementstandsasatestamenttoourprogram'sphilosophyandcurriculum, whicharedeeplyrootedintheprinciplesofECEinclusionmodel Thisstatementnotonlyalignswith ourmissionandvisionbutalsointegrateswiththeJEDI(Justice,Equity,Diversity,andInclusion) missionstatement,reaffirmingourcommitmenttocreatinganinclusivelearningenvironmentforall.

AswecontinuetostriveforexcellenceandleadershipintheECEprogram,weprioritizethe professionaldevelopmentandpersonalgrowthofourteachingteam Overthepastfewyears, multipleteachershavepresentedatnationalconferences,includingtheZerotoThreeandCourage toRiskConference,showcasingourprogram'sdedicationtoadvancingthefieldofearlychildhood education.

Thisyear,sixofourteachingandadministrativestaffmemberspresentedattheRMECC(Rocky MountainEarlyChildhoodConference)forthesecondconsecutiveyear.Theircontributionsand expertiseshowcaseourprogram'sstrengthsand highlightourongoingcommitmenttoadvancing thefieldofearlychildhoodeducation Thepresentersthisyearincluded:

MelissaVanHart:BuildingaPositiveClassroomCommunity

NickieCruz:Glow,BabyGlow!FosteringChildren’sAcademicandArtisticExpressionThrough LightandShadowPlay

MathewSmith:SchemaExploration:ChildrenatWork/Play

MeaghanBurns:RoadmaptoInclusion:BuildingaHigh-QualityInclusiveEarlyChildhood Program

MistyHughesandAbbeyHomburger:ResiliencyandSelf-AdvocacyforEducators

ThededicationandpassionofourteachingstaffareattheheartofeverythingwedoatFELC Weare proudoftheaccomplishmentswehaveachievedtogetherandlookforwardtomanymoremilestones inthefuture.

RICKS CENTER FOR GIFTED CHILDREN

PIGGYBACKINGONTHEIRPASSIONFORFLYING

PreschoolersenjoyedavisitwithJonandJoanna fromUnitedAirlines.Theseairlineprofessionals answeredquestionscoveringjetengines,flight attendants,airplanewindshields,takingoffand landing,pilottraining,andmuchmore.Rogerthat!

HYDROPONICGARDENING

Kindergartengrewdillandbasilusinghydroponics. Theybeganbyfillingthetankwiththenutrient solution,insertedtheseeds,andputthelidsonfor moisturemaintenance.Aftertheseedsgerminated andsprouted,theypulledthepodstoexaminethe rootsthatlookedlike“spiderwebs”andfelt“slimy”

COWEYEDISSECTION

Embracingcross-gradecooperation,Grades2and3 dissectedcoweyesaspartofthecolor/lightunitand humanbodystudy,respectively.Aperfectmatchfor bothunits,thisactivityallowedstudentsafirst-hand explorationoftheorgananditsfunctions

RICKSSHARKTANK

Seizingtheopportunitytodevelopcreativesolutions, middleschoolerspitchedtheiruniqueproductsat RicksSharkTankandwowedtheDUbusiness professorswhomoonlightedasjudgesfortheevent. Winnerswereinvitedtopresenttheirproductatthe Entrepreneurship@DUMaddenChallenge(Winter 2024).

MOVING MCE’s MISSION FORWARD:

RECENT EVENTS

WELCOMING NEW MCE STAFF 2024WinterRetreat

‘FosteringaCommunityofCare’

Pleasewelcomeournewfacultyandstaffthathavejoinedourteamandcommunitythis quarter!

Staff

AngelaMcNatt-AssistantDeanofBudget&Operations

HollyStewart-ExecutiveAssistant

PeterRudyk-MarketingSpecialist

AnnaMurray-AssociateDirectorofMarketing&Communications

AnnieNgo-AdmissionsCounselor

LouieTrevino-ManagerofBudget&Operations

New Staff Spotlight:

NEW STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Angela McNatt

AngelaMcNattjoinedtheMCEteaminMarchof 2024astheAssistantDeanofBudgetand Operations. SheiscomingtoDUfromFlorida SouthWesternStateCollegewhereshewasthe DirectorofAuxiliaryServices/OperationsProject Management. Inherroleasprojectmanager,she ledprojectsinsupportofauxiliaryservices, campuspolice,financialaid,finance,andrisk divisions Thisrolealsogavehertheabilityto workinterdepartmentallywithAdmissions, Registrations,Marketing,andFacilitiesdivisionsto facilitateandimplementvariousprojectsacross theinstitution Angelahasadiversebackground inthehealthcareandautomotiveindustries, federalandlocalgovernment,andhigher educationinstitutions. Sheisalsoaproudveteran oftheUSAirForce.

AngelaearnedherBAinOrganizational ManagementandMBAwithemphasisin MarketingfromtheUniversityofArizona.Sheisa certifiedprojectmanagementprofessional,PMP, throughtheProjectManagementInstitute Additionally,sheiscertifiedinKaizenthrough ToyotaCenterforLeanExcellence.Aselfproclaimedperpetualstudent,shelooksfor opportunitiestogrowherknowledgebase focusingonoperationalefficiencies,industrybest practices,andpolicydevelopment.

Asthedaughterofanimmigrant,firstgeneration collegegraduate,andmilitaryveteran,sheisa vocalchampionfordiversity,inclusion,equity,and socialjustice.“I’mimmenselyproudtobepartof theMCEvisionsupportingDEIandsocialjustice causes Recognizingdiversityinoneanother growsourabilitytoworktogether

Oneofmyfavoritethingsisgroupbrainstorming. Lotsofvoicesandinsightsandopinionsbeing volleyedbackandforthuntilasolutionisfound Howeffectivewouldwebeifweonlyhadone homogenouslifeexperience?Themorewevalue oneanother’suniqueness,thebetterweareat solvingproblems. Plus,it’sjustablasthearing differentideasfromallwalksoflifebouncing aroundtheroom!”

ThoughmovingfromFloridawithaspouse, (sometimesdelightful)teen,twodogs,andtwocats hasbeenchallengingattimes,sheisexcitedforall thenewadventuresawaitingherinDenverwith herDUMCEfamily.

CELEBRATING MCE: UPCOMING EVENTS