 Brandy Brewer, Doctoral Fellow-OSEP Leadership Grant: Evidence-based Practice Project
Program: Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with specialization in Special Education Admission Year: 2018 | Education: - MAT-Moderate/ Severe Disabilities
Why did you choose to come to the University of Louisville?
I've received both my Undergraduate and Master's degrees from UofL What are your academic goals while at UofL?
To keep pushing myself and stretching my abilities in an effort to take full advantage of the time and opportunities I have been afforded through the Leadership grant. What are your goals after graduation?
My hope is to work to train future generations of passionate teachers. Email: brandy.brewer@louisville.edu |
 Kristie Covington, Doctoral Fellow-OSEP Leadership Grant: Project PURPLE
Program: PhD in Curriculum and Instruction with specialization in Special Education Admission Year: 2020 | Education: - Bachelor of Science in Moderate/Severe Disabilities
- M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership with endorsement in Autism
- National Board Certification: Exceptional Needs Specialist
Why did you choose to come to the University of Louisville?
I have lived in Louisville most of my life. I have always loved the area and UofL. When I made the decision to work towards my PhD, I knew UofL was where I wanted to take that next step. What are your academic goals while at UofL?
I hope to really apply myself as a doctoral student and gain everything I can from the experts and educators at UofL. I am ready for the next step in my life and I want to take this opportunity to really prepare myself for the next phase. What are your goals after graduation?
I want to become a professor so I can teach and share my knowledge, experience and passion with future educators of students’ with disabilities. Email: Kristie.covington@louisville.edu |
 Mary Elliott, Doctoral Fellow-OSEP Leadership Grant: Project PURPLE
Program: Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with specialization in Special Education Admission Year: 2020 | Education: - Bachelor's in Moderate to Severe Disabilities Special Education – University of Kentucky
- Master's and Rank 1 in School Counseling- University of the Cumberlands
Why did you choose to come to the University of Louisville?
UofL’s Special Education program has a reputation as one of the best. Having the opportunity to work under some of the lead researchers in the field was an opportunity I could not pass up. What are your academic goals while at UofL?
As a PhD student, I want to fully immerse myself in the world of research and learn to develop quality interventions that will impact the future of special education. What are your goals after graduation?
I would love to work as a professor and train future MSD teachers or work on a state or national level to influence special education policies and law. Email: mary.elliott2@louisville.edu |
 Jim Feger
Program: Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with specialization in Special Education Admission Year: 2018 | Education: - 1990 B.S., Bible/Psychology, Kentucky Christian University
- 1992 M.S. Clinical Psychology, Eastern Kentucky University
- 2000 Certification, School Psychology Eastern Kentucky University
- 2006 Certification, Director of Special Ed., University of the Cumberlands
Why did you choose to come to the University of Louisville?
For me, the question would better be framed, "Why wouldn't you choose to come to UofL?" I say that because I am thrilled to be a doctoral student in the University of Louisville’s College of Education and Human Development. Although I entertained doctoral studies earlier in my career, the programs I considered, (i.e., clinical and school psychology), did not fully captured my professional passions. Over the course of my career, I developed a fairly specific field of interest. How can we better support all students, but especially at-risk youth, by discerning and integrating mental health practices into school frameworks? In addition, how can we make this integration practical, deployable and effective? I was thrilled to learn these questions and others I had not even considered were being asked, studied and published within CEHD by Dr. Terry Scott. Dr. Scott is a scholar I admire and whose research I’ve followed and promoted for several years. When I made application to the university, it was my intent to study under Dr. Scott and promote research that supports mitigation of at-risk students. With work and family obligations, my progress isn’t as fast as I'd like but I couldn't be happier than studying and researching right where I am. What are your academic goals while at UofL?
I find that my goals are both refining and evolving. I am interested in studying instructional coaching models, classroom practices and discipline frameworks that support student success. What are your goals after graduation?
This is another area that is refining and evolving. Vocationally, I love what I do. I imagine I will be doing more of the same but with an added lens towards research and possibly teaching pre and post induction college and graduate classes. Email: Jefege02@louisville.edu or jfeger69@gmail.com |
 Jennifer Fosbinder, Graduate Assistant-NSF Project BEES
Program: Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with specialization in Special Education Admission Year: 2023 | Education: - 2019 B.A. in Elementary Eduation with a focus on Moderate to Severe Disabilities, UofL
- 2021 M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership with a focus on Autism, UofL
Why did you choose to come to the University of Louisville?
I recieved both my BA and Masters through UofL and have always been impressed with the knowledge and education that I have recieved. I wanted to continue to learn under the faculty. What are your academic goals while at UofL?
My goal while at UofL is to be able to participate in research that helps me grow as an educator and have an inpact in the special education fields. What are your goals after graduation?
My goal after graduation it to teach in the teacher prep program at a university. I would like to teach and influnece future teachers.
Email:jmfosb01@louisville.edu |
 Caroline Fitchett, Doctoral Fellow-OSEP Leadership Grant: Evidence-based Practice Project
Program: Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with specialization in Special Education Admission Year: 2020 | Education: - B.S. - Special Education (Moderate/Severe Disabilities)
- M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership with concentration in Autism and ABA
Why did you choose to come to the University of Louisville?
I have experienced the programs, faculty, and opportunities I had access to during my undergraduate work and master’s program. I wanted continue working with this faculty and taking advantage of the professional opportunities this college has to offer. What are your academic goals while at UofL?
I would like to conduct research centered around access to the general education curriculum for students with moderate/severe disabilities. I am also interested in the use of High Leverage Practices in special education. What are your goals after graduation?
My goal is to develop standards-aligned curricula for students with moderate/severe disabilities as a researcher and faculty member at a university. Email: cmfitc02@louisville.edu |
 Lora Burnett, Doctoral Fellow-OSEP Leadership Grant: Evidence-based Practice Project
Program: Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with specialization in Special Education Admission Year: 2022 | Education: - M.S. in Special Education, University of Kentukcy, B.S. in Special Education, University of Kentucky
Why did you choose to come to the University of Louisville?
The University of Louisville is a level 1 research university and I was drawn to the work they are doing in the field of special education and applied behavior analysis. What are your academic goals while at UofL?
I plan to study the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health and classroom behavior of students. I would like to strengthen my academic writing skills and contribute to the field of special education and applied behavior analysis research. What are your goals after graduation?
I would like to work in teacher preparation at the university level and conduct research to further advance/develop applied tools for teachers. I would also like to work with aspiring BCBA's to provide training and experience. Email: lora.barnett@louisville.edu |
 Tara Harmon, Doctoral Fellow-OSEP Leadership Grant: Project PURPLE
Program: Ph.D. Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Special Education Admission Year: 2021 | Education: - Rank 1: Teaching Students with Visual Impairment, University of Kentucky
- Consultant Certification: Teaching Students with Learning Behavior Disabilities
- M.Ed.: Special Education, Moderate to Severe Disabilities, Murray State University
- B.S.: Elementary Education and Special Education-Learning Behavior Disabilities, Murray State University
Why did you choose to come to the University of Louisville?
I never thought I would go back to school to complete a doctorate program but this is where my career path and goals have led me. I have chosen UofL because of its academic excellence, faculty members, and recognition as a R1 University in Research. I want to learn to conduct the best research, use research methods, and teaching strategies that will enhance my knowledge in the field of education. What are your academic goals while at UofL?
I plan to use research methods and other opportunities UofL has to offer to help me reach my goals. I would also love to be published in an educational journal before I finish the dissertation process. What are your goals after graduation?
My goals is to obtain my doctorate degree so I can teach at the collegiate level. I want to teach students in college about students with severe disabilities and strategies to help students in all educational settings. Email: tara.harmon@louisville.edu |
 Jenny Hogg, Doctoral Fellow-OSEP Leadership Grant: Project SPIDERS
Program: Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with specialization in Special Education Admission Year: 2022 | Education: - 2021 National Board Certification (Renewal)
- 2013 Certification, Director of Special Education, Morehead State University
- 2012 National Board Certification (Initial)
- 2011 M.Ed. Educational Technology, Morehead State University
- 2007 B.A. Special Education-MSD (P-12) & Elementary Education (P-5), Morehead State University
Why did you choose to come to the University of Louisville?
The University of Louisville has an excellent reputation for providing high-quality education. Project SPIDERS is allowing me to have the opportunity to be a Cardinal while continuing to grow as an educator. What are your academic goals while at UofL?
During my time at the University of Louisville, my goal is to expand my knowledge and skills in order to grow professionally. I hope to use what I learn to positively impact special education teacher training and services in Kentucky. What are your goals after graduation?
I plan to use the knowledge and skills acquired through the SPIDERS program to invest in special education teachers in rural settings. Ultimately, it is my hope that my work in the field will help to improve programming and outcomes for students with disabilities. Email: jennifer.hogg@louisville.edu |
 Abbigail Long, Doctoral Fellow-OSEP Leadership Grant: Project PURPLE
Program: Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with specialization in Special Education Admission Year: 2020 | Education: Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY - Rank I, Educational Administration, Leadership, and Research, July 2018
Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY - Master of Divinity, December 2015
University of Louisville, Louisville, KY - Master of Education, Special Education, Learning and Behavior Disorders, May 2008
University of Southern Indiana, Evansville, IN - Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education, May 2004 - Magna Cum Laude
Why did you choose to come to the University of Louisville?
I came to the University of Louisville because it is a Research 1 university with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. I also came because the University of Louisville offers the opportunity to study with a strong faculty and grow in my capacity to serve the next generation of educators. What are your academic goals while at UofL?
My first goal while at UofL is to participate in and conduct research alongside my colleagues that centers on the recruitment, support, and retention of special education teachers, specifically teachers of students with emotional behavior disabilities. My second goal is to develop my own capacity to teach undergraduate and graduate students entering the field of education. Finally, I hope to connect to faculty throughout the College of Education and beyond in other schools and departments. What are your goals after graduation?
After graduation, I intend to seek employment at a Research 1 university and continue my work in researching practices that support teachers of students with emotional behavior disabilities. I would also like to work with local education agencies and the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Programs to assist schools as they continue to implement IDEA and other laws surrounding students with disabilities. Email: ammann03@louisville.edu |
 Erica McClure, Doctoral Fellow-OSEP Leadership Grant: Evidence-based Practice Project
Program: Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with specialization in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis Admission Year: 2019 | Education: - B.F.A. in Theatre Performance, University of Louisville
- M.A. in Teaching, P-12 Special Education & 8-12 English, Bellarmine University
Why did you choose to come to the University of Louisville?
University of Louisville has been recognized as a “Research 1” doctoral university with “very high research activity.” I was provided with a grant covering the cost of study, and the university offers the option to pursue a BCBA-D. What are your academic goals while at UofL?
I would like to conduct research with multiple faculty members while increasing my knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis. My ultimate goals are to obtain my Ph.D., my BCBA-D, and become a published author or multiple journal articles. What are your goals after graduation?
At this point, they are varied and oscillating. I know that I would like to obtain gainful employment and continue to conduct research. Email: erica.mcclure@louisville.edu |
 Nicholas A. Newton, Doctoral Fellow-OSEP Leadership Grant: Project SPIDERS
Program: Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with specialization in Special Education Admission Year: 2022 | Education: - 2008 B.A. Secondary Education, UK
- 2009 MAT Middle Secondary Social Studies, UofL
- 2013 Rank I Moderate Severe Disabilties Certification, UK
Why did you choose to come to the University of Louisville?
Louisville is known as a high quality research university. I'm honored to join such a strong research focused school. What are your academic goals while at UofL?
My goals at UofL are to participate first hand in research that makes students grow and to grow professionally through the PhD process. What are your goals after graduation?
My focus for post graduation is to find a niche to continue to promote research and best practice that impacts students daily. Email: nanewt01@louisville.edu |
 Dana Page, Doctoral Fellow-OSEP Leadership Grant: Evidence-based Practice Project
Program: Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with specialization in Special Education Admission Year:Fall 2020 | Education: - MA in Education from Georgetown College, BA in Education from EKU
Why did you choose to come to the University of Louisville?
I wanted a program that was specifically for special education. What are your academic goals while at UofL?
To successfully defend and pass my dissertation. What are your goals after graduation?
Work for the federal government as an education research analyst or education specialist. Email: dana.page@louisville.edu |
 Jenni Pollard
Program: Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with specialization in Special Education Admission Year:Fall 2018 | Education: - MA Applied Behavior Analysis with an emphasis in Autism from Ball State University
- MEd Counseling and Personnel Services with an emphasis in School Counseling from UL
- MAT Teaching and Learning Art and Design Education from Rhode Island School of Design
- BA Art History and Studio Arts from the George Washington University
Why did you choose to come to the University of Louisville?
I chose to come to UL because Louisville is my home and I have always know about the strong education programs at UL. What are your academic goals while at UofL?
I hope to participate in all academic activities from research to teaching to learning. What are your goals after graduation?
After graduating from UL I hope to help teach people who want to become teachers and/or BCBAs. Email: jennifer.pollard@louisville.edu |
 Amber Priddy, Doctoral Fellow-OSEP Leadership Grant: Project SPIDERS
Program: Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with specialization in Special Education Admission Year: 2022 | Education: - 2002 B.S. Business Administration, Campbellsville University
- 2005 M.A. Special Education (LBD, P-12), Western Kentucky University
- 2009 National Board Certification, Exceptional Needs Specialist, 3-21
- 2011 Director of Special Education, Level I, Campbellsville University
- 2016 Director of Special Education, Level II, Campbellsville University
- 2018 National Board Certification (Renewal)
- 2019 MSD Certification, Western Kentucky University
Why did you choose to come to the University of Louisville?
I chose the University of Louisville because of the opportunity they offered with Project SPIDERs. I always knew that I eventually would pursue my doctorate, and Louisville made it possible for me to do so. What are your academic goals while at UofL?
My goal while at the University of Louisville is to participate in research studies that will have a positive impact on special education, particularly in the area of rural special education. This includes an interest into teacher preparation, certification, and retention. What are your goals after graduation?
After completing the requirements for my Ph.D., I intentd to continue in public school education where I can use my knowledge and expertise to hopefully make special education a little better whereever I may be. Upon retiring from public education, I hope to pursue a career in a post-secondary institution where I can work with future teachers so that they may be able to make special education a little better whereever they may be. Email: arervi01@louisville.edu |
 Paige Prough, Doctoral Fellow-OSEP Leadership Grant: Project SPIDERS
Program: Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with specialization in Special Education Admission Year: 2022 | Education: - 2006 Indiana Univeristy BA Kinesiology
- 2012 Univeristy of West Florida- MA Exceptional Student Education
- 2018 Indiana Univeristy MA Educational Leadership-Director of Special Education Licensure
Why did you choose to come to the University of Louisville?
The Univeristy of Louisville was offering an opportunitity through Project SPIDERS. This grant makes it possible to complete high quality research in special education. p>
What are your academic goals while at UofL?
My goal while at Louisville is to conduct research that will have an impact on the special education field and the teacher development process. What are your goals after graduation?
Post graduation I want to continue to use the knowledge that I gained to benefit the special education teachers in my rural school district. I want to continue with to improve the special education field through more teacher professional development. Email: pnprou01@louisville.edu |
 Lorita Rowlett, Doctoral Fellow-OSEP Leadership Grant: Project PURPLE
Program: Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with specialization in Special Education Admission Year: 2020 | Education: - B.S. in Early Elementary Education
- M. Ed in Teacher Leadership with a concentration in Autism
Why did you choose to come to the University of Louisville?
I have obtained my previous degrees from UofL and enjoy the learning environment that this University offers. What are your academic goals while at UofL?
To learn appropriate research methods and how to apply them. To learn how to support preservice and alternate certification teachers. What are your goals after graduation?
Research and curriculum development Email: lnfran02@louisville.edu |
 Kate Snider, Doctoral Fellow-OSEP Leadership Grant: Project PURPLE
Program: Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with specialization in Special Education Admission Year: 2020 | Education: San Diego State University (2019-2020) - PhD in Education
- K12 Education and Equity
San Diego State University (2014) - Education Specialist Teaching Credential
- Mild/Moderate, EL and Autism Authorizations
San Jose State University (2012) - MA Applied Anthropology
- Project Report: “Fostering Empowerment within Special Education: Building Communication in a Specialized Program”
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (2010) - BA Anthropology
- Minor: Geology
Why did you choose to come to the University of Louisville?
I came to the U of L because the Project PURPLE grant opportunity provided the ideal PhD program for me. There are opportunities to work with students and faculty from both the U of L and UK, gain experience teaching at the university level, and take courses from faculty who are experts in their field. What are your academic goals while at UofL?
One of my main goals during my time at the U of L is to complete and publish a research project other than my dissertation. I plan to use my coursework as a starting point for developing and implementing different research project ideas. What are your goals after graduation?
I would like to continue my research and teach at the university level in a tenured track position. Ideally, I would like to stay in the southeastern United States but I would be happy to follow my ideal faculty position almost anywhere. Email: k0snid01@louisville.edu |
 Robin Tabor, Doctoral Fellow-OSEP Leadership Grant: Project SPIDERS
Program: Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with specialization in Special Education Admission Year: 2022 | Education: - 2008 B.A. Multidisciplinary Studies (Psychology, Religion, and Accounting) Liberty University
- 2012 MAT Special Education, University of the Cumberlands
- 2012 MAT Elementary Education, University of the Cumberlands
- 2022 Director of Special Education Certificate, University of the Cumberlands
Why did you choose to come to the University of Louisville?
I met another UofL doctoral scholar as well as a staff member and found that they were knowledgable and excited about the field of special education research. I knew then that I needed to take the next step. What are your academic goals while at UofL?
My goals while at U of L will be to make a positive impact on my profession through research. I am looking forward to participating in research in order to provide information for my colleagues so that their students can be successful academically and socially. What are your goals after graduation?
After I graduate I would like to continue making gains in the area of research in order for our students in the rural community to reach acaemic and social goals in order to be successful community members. Email: robin.tabor@louisville.edu |
 Serena Wheeler
Program: Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with specialization in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education. Admission Year: Admitted 2018 & Began Spring 2019 | Education: - AA Social Science, Lindsey Wilson College
- BA Human Services, Lindsey Wilson College
- MAE IECE, Western Kentucky University
Why did you choose to come to the University of Louisville?
I chose U of L due to the opportunities and interest in Early Childhood Education & Intervention.. What are your academic goals while at UofL?
My academic goals include learning and refining the skills I need to contribute to my field in the areas of professional writing, presenting, teaching, mentoring, communicating effectively, grant writing, collaborating with programs, professional organizations and policy makers, and expanding the research base with evidence that is substantive. What are your goals after graduation?
My goals after graduation include continuing to contribute to the field of Early Childhood/Early Intervention using the skills named above in the capacity of professional development specialist, consultant, instructor, mentor, team member, program developer, grant writer, collaborator, etc. Email: serena.wheeler@louisville.edu, wheeleralv@bellsouth.net, and serenawheeler1542@gmail.com |
