Graduate Research Month

Learn about the importance of student research at Loyola and ask questions about gradute research initiatives with two of the School of Education's very own faculty. Listen to them share their experience with student research, and see how our students' innovative research inspires change.

	Eilene Edejer, PhD CLINICAL ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

Dr. Eilene Edejer is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Research Methodology program. Her research interests include research Methodology, assessment & accreditation, and program evaluation. Watch the recording here.

	Seungho Moon, EdD  PROFESSOR

Dr. Seungho Moon is a Professor in the Teaching and Learning program. His research interests include curriculum studies and theorizing, qualitative research methodologies, cross-cultural conversation and transnational inquiry, and community-school-university partnerships. 

Watch the recording | Moon - Student Research Month Presentation

Mariana Hernandes Grassi is currently a Women’s Studies and Gender Studies graduate student at LUC.  In addition, she is a first year doctoral student in Curriculum, Culture, and Communities (3C’s) from School of Education. She has been a foreign language educator (Portuguese and English to speakers of other languages) since 2010, with experience in Brazil and USA. Recently, she has joined the first international online teacher cooperative, My Cool Class, which was founded in 2020. Her research interest lies in gender equality within educational institutions.

See the presentation | Watch the Recording

Kaelyn is a fourth year Ph.D. student in School Psychology. She is a south side Chicago Native, and enjoys traveling and trying new things around the city. She is a current DFI fellow and prioritizes research and teaching in her free time. She is currently at Rush Neurobehavioral Center (RNBC) for her advanced practicum on the diagnostic track and she is completing a supplemental practicum at Loyola Community and Family Services to get more experience with counseling and community mental health services.  Some of Kaelyn's research interests are black linguistics and assessment practices, intervention for race-based stress, equity, and school discipline reform.

Reese Hyzer is a third-year doctoral student in the School Psychology program. This year, she is completing her advanced practicum experience at Frost Academy, a public day school in Maine Township High School District 207. Reese is passionate about translational research and implementing evidence-based practices. Some of her research interests include adolescent mental health, culturally responsive practices, and school discipline reform. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, going to concerts, and traveling. 

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Maria Mendez is a fourth year Phd student in the School Psychology Program. She is a first-generation Mexican American student from Pomona, California. Prior to joining the School Psychology program, she obtained her master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from DePaul University. Currently, her advanced practicum placement is at the Illinois Masonic Hospital Pediatric Developmental Center, where she provides diagnostic and therapy support services to children and their families. She is involved in two different research teams. Frist as a Research Assistant for the Greeley Center at Loyola, where she provides research support for evaluating the Greeley Centers instructional coaching services it provides to local catholic schools. Secondly, as an external evaluator for an identity affirming program for Black and Latino boys in Milwaukee Public Schools. In both roles, Maria strives to learn about the experiences of participants and improve programming for the most optimal learning and wellness outcomes for all students. In the future she hopes to continue research that supports the development, mental health, academic needs, and overall resiliency of all students.

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Reese Hyzer is a third-year doctoral student in the School Psychology program. This year, she is completing her advanced practicum experience at Frost Academy, a public day school in Maine Township High School District 207. Reese is passionate about translational research and implementing evidence-based practices. Some of her research interests include adolescent mental health, culturally responsive practices, and school discipline reform. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, going to concerts, and traveling. 

View Recording