STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS

Sydney Baker

Education background: B.A., mass communication, University of Houston-Clear Lake; M.Ed., educational administration, Texas A&M University; Started the UH doctoral program in fall 2023. 

What drew me to UH? I was really drawn to the amazing research resources available to me. The opportunity to learn and work with Dr. Master throughout the doctoral program and possibly as a research assistant in her Identity & Academic Motivation Lab was exciting.

My research/career interests and inspiration: My research interests include increasing growth mindset and resiliency in students from low socio-economic backgrounds, and specific incentive and accountability structures within public schools in education that lead to an increase in learning outcomes.

What I enjoy in my free time: I am a massive nerd! I am a lifelong learner, and I'm continuously learning about the world by reading and listening to various podcasts. I'm also a highly competitive, social individual who loves to play games with friends, sing karaoke, and attend concerts.

Advice to prospective students: It's okay not to know exactly what you want to research or your future career goals! Be present throughout the program and focus on learning as much as you possibly can. Be open-minded and experience as many diverse perspectives, research opportunities, and professional development in your field as you possibly can. Aim up! Push yourself to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to be an amazing change agent in society. You can do this!

Contact: snbaker@cougarnet.uh.edu

Kahyun Lee

Education background: B.S. in psychology, Sungshin Women’s University; M.A. in psychology, Sungkyunkwan University; I started the UH doctoral program in fall 2021.

What drew me to UH? Research at UH drew me. Dr. Master’s growth mindset studies and Dr. Kim’s multilevel modeling and longitudinal studies drew me to UH.

My research/career interests and inspiration: My research interests are applied statistical modeling. Specifically, I’m interested in applying statistical models to the growth mindset or emotional punctuality (applied research). My research goal is to gather and analyze growth mindset and emotional stability with a diary survey and intensive longitudinal modeling.

What I enjoy in my free time: I’m an energetic person. I enjoy swimming, pilates, yoga, etc. Also, I enjoy socializing with other people.

Advice to prospective students: Keep learning and going! Achieve what you have wanted with fluent faculties’ knowledge and excellent teaching!

Contact:  klee46@cougarnet.uh.edu

Tamal Joyti Roy 

Education background: B.Sc., computer science and engineering, North Western University, Bangladesh; Started the UH doctoral program in fall 2023.

What drew me to UH? It's the University of Houston's research. The MQM-LS doctoral program equips students with the skills necessary to plan, carry out, and interpret quantitative research projects that contribute to the solution of some of the most challenging issues facing our society today. The pattern of the courses is noteworthy.

My research/career interests and inspiration: My research interests include educational technology, student engagement and motivation, learning theories and cognitive development and interdisciplinary and integrated STEM education. Before pursuing my doctoral studies, I gained valuable experience as a data acientist at a mental health-focused company. This role instilled in me a data-driven approach, emphasizing the importance of data analysis methodologies. My work focused on extracting insights from data to inform decision-making and support positive outcomes. My current doctoral program has fostered a dynamic learning environment, encouraging critical thinking and out-of-the-box problem-solving. The coursework provides a comprehensive foundation, equipping me with the necessary quantitative skills to become a strong researcher ("Quantitative"). Renowned professors guide our learning journey, fostering a passion for intellectual growth and academic excellence. Our collaborative learning environment fosters a love of learning that extends far beyond grades, preparing us for lifelong personal and professional development.

What I enjoy in my free time: Playing cricket, watching cricket, reading nonfiction books, writing on social media and urban photography.

Advice to prospective students: Show compassion. Maintain a positive attitude at all times. You should make it a goal to acquire new knowledge daily. Knowledge is what will keep you going. Take care of your mental health because if you are happy, you will be able to make others happy as well.

Summer Robinson

Education background: B.S., double major in education (early childhood-6th grade generalist) and human development and family studies, University of Houston; M.S., family and human development, Arizona State University; Started the UH doctoral program in fall 2023.

What drew me to UH? With the University of Houston being my alma mater, I have a special bond with the campus and the College of Education. I researched other potential programs and colleges but kept coming back to UH and this program. I was intrigued by the research focus and the supportive faculty.

My research/career interests and inspiration: I am interested in helping improve student success in mathematics, specifically with special populations and minoritized students.

What I enjoy in my free time: In my free time I enjoy working out and lifting weights! I also enjoy being out in nature (when the weather allows it), reading, and learning new skills.

Advice to prospective students: You create your future and no one else can dictate that. Explore different topics and research projects, you might surprise yourself. Self-reflect on your areas of weakness and strength. Work on your weaknesses but remember the value of your strengths too!

Contact: smrobin5@cougarnet.uh.edu 

Shaila Sharmin

Education background: B.S. and M.S. in applied statistics, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh; M.S. in statistics, University of Toledo, Ohio; I started the UH doctoral program in fall 2020.

What drew me to UH? My interest in conducting research related to educational, psychological health and other societal aspects and how these interplay with policy and economics.

My research/career interests and inspiration: My research interest is in application of statistical methodology such as mediation and moderation analysis, survival analysis, longitudinal data analysis, multilevel modeling and measurement theory (e.g., item response theory) to understand complex real-life problems in psychological and educational assessment. Before arriving at UH, I worked as a researcher at a specialized agency of United Nations (UNFAO). Currently, I am involved in active research with my advisor, Dr. Han Joe Kim, and collaborating with other researchers on various projects. Having done some research into the content of social facts using quantitative methods, my interest grew towards building up my career in faculty teaching and conducting research in psychology and education.

What I enjoy in my free time: I enjoy spending my free time with family and friends, exploring new restaurants and playing board games.

Advice to prospective students: The MQMLS doctoral program broadens the perspectives of using both quantitative methods as well as implementing different learning theories in content areas. Building up profound knowledge to design, conduct and use research in educational and psychological fields will enhance the opportunity for the students to be involved in making changes on society’s greatest challenges.

Contact:  ssharmin@cougarnet.uh.edu 

Minh-Hao Tran

Education background: B.S. in psychology, Oregon State University; M.S. in applied psychological sciences, Pacific University; I started the UH doctoral program in fall 2020.

What drew me to UH? The opportunity to stay in Houston and the ability to keep a good work-life balance.

My research/career interests and inspiration: Statistics and quantitative methods, biopsychosocial factors that impact academic achievement, behavioral economics and decision-making

What I enjoy in my free time: Baking, weightlifting, tending to my plethora of plants, hiking and hugs and kisses from my puppy  

Advice to prospective students: Be realistic with your workload and manage your time wisely.

Contact: mdtran5@uh.edu 

Paul Turcotte

Education background: B.A., geography with a concentration in mathematics, The University of Texas at Austin; MBA with a concentration in finance, Baker University; Started UH doctoral program in fall 2023.

What drew me to UH? I knew I would be proud to one day call the University of Houston my alma mater. The faculty and curriculum at the University of Houston exceed the quality offered by most institutions in the United States and the world. The University’s world-class status places a good deal of external value on the credential. The University of Houston’s ability to reach a Carnegie classification of very high research activity, the highest, and gain permission from the State of Texas to open the first new medical school in Texas in decades speaks to its capacity for growth and excellence. 

My research/career interests and inspiration: I am focused on student success and the development of better methods to measure success and identify opportunities to improve the learning experience.

What I enjoy in my free time: I enjoy running, SCUBA diving, and traveling to new and interesting places.

Advice to prospective students: Make your own decisions on what you can accomplish, make a plan, and be determined.

Contact:  paturcot@Central.UH.EDU 

Weiwei Wu

Education background: B.S. in information engineering, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications; Ph.D. in electrical engineering, University of Houston; I started the UH doctoral program in fall 2019.

What drew me to UH? Diverse and friendly environment, outstanding professors and professionally designed course structure

My research/career interests and inspiration: Outcomes of developmental offending trajectories from juvenile to adults; health factors of Hispanic males and females

What I enjoy in my free time: Reading books, hanging out with family and friends and traveling

Advice to prospective students: Everyone is amazing! Prepare to learn and keep open-minded!

Contact: wwu13@cougarnet.uh.edu 

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTS

Taylor Alexander

Education background: B.S. in mathematics, University of Maryland, Baltimore County; Ph.D., MQM-LS, University of Houston (2023).

Employment: Quantitative Researcher, Digital Promise

What drew me to UH? The MQMLS program offered a diverse environment where I could pursue my combined interests in education, psychology and statistics.

My research/career interests and inspiration: My research interests include ethnic and gender disparities in STEM and the complexities of student athlete transitions.

What I appreciated about this program: having the autonomy to conduct research in areas I was passionate about, as well as having the opportunity to participate in a variety of different professional development activities which ultimately helped me determine what I wanted to pursue post grad school.

Contact:  tmalexa4@cougarnet.uh.edu

Rebecca George

Education background: B.S. in curriculum and instruction, Texas A&M University; M.A. in mathematics, University of Houston; Ph.D. in MQMLS, University of Houston (2021).

Employment: Assistant Professor, University of Minnesota – Duluth Department of Mathematics and Statistics

What drew me to UH? Location and MQMLS program

My research/career interests and inspiration: Student success in STEM; attitudes towards learning; statistical methods

What I appreciated about this program: Approachability of faculty and the curriculum

Contact:  rageorge@central.uh.edu 

Caroline Kuno

Education background: B.Sc. in statistics and mathematics, Makerere University; M.Sc. in public policy (statistical methods), University of Texas at Dallas; Ph.D., MQM-LS, University of Houston (2022). I am originally from Uganda and moved to the USA for graduate school in 2014.

Employment: Assistant Professor, Virginia State University Department of Psychology

What drew me to UH? The courses offered caught my attention, especially the use of quantitative methods to explore different societal problems, hence informing policies and decision-making.

My research/career interests and inspiration: My main research is the application of quantitative methods in education and health research. Other research interests include schooling outcomes, obesity, eating habits and physical activity.

What I appreciated about this program: The MQMLS degree path allowed me to take courses in a variety of related disciplines to really tailor my learning toward my interests, which I found very motivating. What I do/did appreciate most about the MQM-LS program are/were the professors, they were very supportive from the beginning, especially my academic advisors. Also, the courses (statistics) offered were of interest to me, and I was able to take courses from other departments/colleges which were useful to me.

What I enjoy in my free time: I love to run, reading fiction novels, especially by African writers, listening to music.

Advice to prospective students: UH is a great place to be a student, many learning and professional development opportunities. Dare to dream big for the sky is the only limit.

Daijiazi Tang

Education background: B.S., general studies-early childhood education, University of Central Oklahoma; M.Ed., elementary education, University of Nevada, Reno; Ph.D., MQM-LS, University of Houston (2023).

Employment: Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Michigan

What drew me to UH? MQM-LS offered great research opportunities with broad concentrations. This supported both my personal research interest and my career goal in academia. Faculties have their own expertise and very supportive. Houston is one of the most habitable cities where is full of surprises and sunshine.

My research/career interests and inspiration: My research interests focus broadly on achievement motivation, behavioral well-being, learning engagement, and achievement-related outcomes in STEM education and other scenarios.

What I enjoy in my free time: Outside of the academic environment, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, painting, reading, interior design, and paying billiards. I am a dog and coffee person.

Advice to prospective students: Keep climbing. Finished might be more important than perfect.  

What I appreciated about this program: The MQM-LS program offers several key features and benefits:  

The program takes an interdisciplinary approach, integrating concepts from measurement, quantitative methods and learning sciences. This multidisciplinary perspective encouraged me to gain a comprehensive understanding of designing and conducting research in different contexts, such as educational psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, public health and many others. The program also places a strong emphasis on research methodology and quantitative analysis.

I earned various opportunities to develop my expertise in advanced statistical techniques, measurement theory and research design. These equipped me with a diverse set of skills and knowledge that can be applied across various domains and made informed decisions based on data. The program provides opportunities for practical research methods and techniques. Through coursework, research projects and collaborations with faculties, I can apply theoretical concepts and methods to different research. Engaging in scholarly discussions, attending conferences and participating in research projects also enhanced my learning experience and provided a supportive network throughout my doctoral journey. These experiences enriched my ability to work on different projects.  

The program has diverse and experienced faculties with expertise in measurement, quantitative methods, and learning sciences. Their knowledge and mentorship can provide valuable guidance throughout your doctoral journey. Collaborating with my mentors, Dr. Fan, Dr. Master, and other faculty members who are actively involved in education and psychology research offered me opportunities for professional growth. They provided various learning and research opportunities that are worthy and beneficial for my academic career. More importantly, they are the most caring mentors that I have met. I appreciate their teaching, leadership, encouragement, and thoughtfulness.

Contact: dtang6@uh.edu   

Krysti Turnquest

Education background: B.A. in sociology, The University of Texas at Austin; M.A. in urban and environmental policy and planning, child studies and human development, Tufts University; Ph.D. in MQMLS, University of Houston (2022).

Employment: Principal User Experience Researcher at Optum (UnitedHealth Group) and Lecturer in the University of Houston College of Education

What drew me to UH? I was initially drawn to UH because it was close to home. Meeting with the faculty, it also became clear that I would be able to have a really individualized experience which I was very interested in given my unique work and education experience.

My research/career interests and inspiration: My research interests are in higher education and achievement motivation particularly for adult learners.

What I appreciated about this program: The MQMLS degree path allowed me to take courses in a variety of related disciplines to really tailor my learning toward my interests, which I found very motivating.

Contact:  knturnqu@cougarnet.uh.edu

INTERNATIONAL GRADUATE BIOS

Suppanut Sriutaisuk

Education background: B.S. in psychology, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand; M.S. in psychological research, University of Edinburgh; M.A. in social psychology, University of Edinburgh; Ph.D. in MQM-LS, University of Houston (2022).

Employment: Lecturer in Quantitative Psychology Area,  Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

What drew me to UH? UH appealed to me due to its unique MQM-LS program, which perfectly aligned with my substantive and methodological interests. The program offered an opportunity to work with experienced and dedicated faculty members who provided valuable guidance and mentorship. Additionally, the university's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic environment created an ideal setting for my personal and professional growth.

My research/career interests and inspiration: My research interests are broad, including both substantive and methodological topics in psychology. My current work is on academic motivation, such as the benefit of growth mindsets — beliefs that personal characteristics can be developed on Thai students’ achievement and well-being. Regarding methodological interests, I am particularly interested in structural equation modeling.

What I appreciated about this program: I appreciated the interdisciplinary nature of the MQM-LS program, which allowed me to gain a deep understanding of various quantitative methods and their applications in different research areas within education and psychology. The program’s emphasis on hands-on learning and collaboration with faculty members enabled me to develop essential skills for my career in academia. Moreover, the supportive environment cultivated by the program allowed me to thrive as a researcher and grow as a professional.

Contact:  Suppanut.S@chula.ac.th