Posted Nov. 1, 2024 — Drawn to the diversity of the city and the opportunities for impact, eight professors joined the University of Houston College of Education faculty this fall.

“I found myself attracted to UH because of its dedication to student success and institutional development. As a scholar in the field of higher education, UH’s track record stood out to me,” said Assistant Professor Heeyun Kim, who grew up in South Korea and most recently worked as a research fellow at the University of Michigan.

Like Kim, the new faculty members’ interests center on marginalized communities, and they bring a variety of expertise, including K-12 and higher education policy, literacy instruction, counseling, health disparities and family relationships.

The group includes first-generation college graduates, as well as second-generation Coogs.

“My mother earned two master’s degrees from UH. Some of my earliest memories are of sitting in the hallways doing workbooks and drawing while she attended night classes as a single parent,” said Tres Hinds, who joined the College as an assistant professor of health.

Dean Cathy Horn shared her excitement over the “amazing group of scholars” joining the College community.

“The diversity of their strengths amplifies an already phenomenal faculty and enhances our ability to realize our mission to ensure everyone has access to strong public schools and healthy, thriving communities,” she said.

Learn more about the faculty’s interests and the projects that excite them most in the following Q&A.

Monica Adams

Clinical Assistant Professor of Health
Department of Psychological, Health, & Learning Sciences

Education: B.S., psychology, University of Houston-Downtown; M.A., behavioral science, University of Houston-Clear Lake; Ph.D., health and behavioral sciences, University of Colorado Denver

Prior job: Ph.D. fellow at the University of Texas at Austin

What drew you to UH?

I was drawn to UH because I am a Houstonian! I completed my undergraduate and master’s degrees in the UH System and knew I wanted to come home and work with students like me.

Can you share a little about your background?

I grew up going back and forth between west Texas and Houston. I am a first-generation student and I am so grateful to have had great mentors within UH to help prepare me for graduate school and beyond.

What are your research interests/areas of expertise, and what motivates you?

My research centers around discrimination and health. Specifically, my master’s thesis qualitatively explored how DACA students in the UH System experienced discrimination and perceived their mental health. I extended this work with my dissertation by experimentally examining whether exposure to anti-immigrant rhetoric stimuli caused increases in psychological stress, heart rate and blood pressure. 

My research is inspired by my family who immigrated to the U.S. from El Salvador. Coming from a family of migrants, I knew that my research would incorporate the migrant experience.

What project has you excited?

Along with discrimination and health research, I also am involved in breast cancer research with physicians at University of Colorado Denver Anschutz. I am currently wrapping up pilot testing of a breast surgery decision aid for individuals deciding between a mastectomy and lumpectomy. I have very positive feedback from patients and clinicians that I am submitting to the American Society of Breast Surgeons 2025 annual meeting.

What advice would you give yourself as a college student?

Get to know the people sitting next to you in class. These people will become friends and study buddies. Second, ask for help. Go to office hours. Meet with your TAs — they’re here to help!

If I weren’t a professor, I’d…

… probably be working in hospital research. I really enjoy working with physicians and conducting clinical research.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I enjoy hanging out with my husband and dogs, roller skating, and reading!

Deon Brown

Assistant Professor of Human Development & Family Sciences
Department of Psychological, Health, & Learning Sciences

Education: B.S., psychology, Virginia Tech; M.S. and Ph.D., developmental psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University

Prior job: postdoctoral research associate, Psychological & Brain Sciences Department, Texas A&M University

What drew you to UH?

The diversity of the institution and the city of Houston in general. I felt a genuine sense of support and appreciation amongst my colleagues when I interviewed. Additionally, one of my research mentors from Virginia Tech, Dr. Julie Dunsmore, is in the HDFS program and spoke highly of the connections she has formed since joining the university. Overall, I feel like I can be successful at UH.

Can you share a little about yourself?

I was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia in a close-knit family. I am a first-generation college student, although my parents always stressed the importance of education. I’m one of the few in my family to obtain a doctoral degree. Initially, I doubted going into academia because I perceived academics to be distant from the communities they studied. However, I was inspired by my peers who represent a new generation of academics who are determined to be hands-on with the communities they conduct research with and extend their reach beyond the ivory tower.

What are your research interests/areas of expertise, and what motivates you?

My research focuses on the process of parental emotion socialization and emotional development among African American youth and families, with a particular focus on the role of fathers in early life and youths’ emotional adjustment across the lifespan. My research interests are inspired by my own parental upbringing and values for Black culture. I became interested in how Black cultural values and racialized experiences intersect with the goals that African American parents have for raising their children and how such beliefs impact African American youths’ well-being at different stages in life.

What project has you excited?

I am excited for a project I’m working on that explores African American fathers’ masculine ideologies and how they may relate with parental emotion socialization practices among African American families. I’m also looking forward to conducting some qualitative research with African American fathers in the Greater Houston area.

What advice would you give yourself as a college student?

Be confident in yourself and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes can teach you important lessons in life.

If I weren’t a professor, I’d …

… be a manager for music artists.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Spending time with family and friends, listening to and discussing hip-hop music, catching up on TV shows, serving at church and connecting with my faith community.

Katlynn Dahl-Leonard

Assistant Professor of Early Literacy Education
Department of Curriculum & Instruction

Education: B.A., psychology, Texas Tech University; M.A., clinical psychology, University of Houston-Clear Lake; Ph.D., reading education, University of Virginia

Prior job: doctoral student

What drew you to UH?

I was drawn to UH because of the opportunity to return to my hometown and be part of a community that values research, collaboration, preparing teachers and helping children.

Can you share a little about your background?

I was born and raised in the Houston area. As a first-generation college student, I attended Texas Tech for my bachelor’s degree, and then returned to Houston for my master’s degree. Before pursuing my Ph.D. at the University of Virginia, I also worked as a research assistant/coordinator at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston for awhile. It was there that I found a passion for literacy research.

What are your research interests/areas of expertise, and what motivates you?

My research primarily focuses on effective early literacy instruction, especially for students with or at risk for literacy learning difficulties. I am particularly interested in supporting teachers’ understanding and implementation of evidence-based early literacy practices.

What project has you excited?

I am part of a team that has worked to develop and pilot, using a single case experimental design study, a new intervention that provides families with resources to assist kindergarten children in learning to read at home. We have submitted a grant proposal that, if awarded, would allow us to further develop the intervention and conduct a randomized controlled trial to evaluate its effectiveness.

What advice would you give yourself as a college student?

Relax. It is OK if you do not have it all figured out right now.

 If I weren’t a professor, I’d …

... work with animals, perhaps at an animal sanctuary.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends (and my two cats), watching television, and going out to eat.

Tres Hinds

Assistant Professor of Health
Department of Psychological, Health, & Learning Sciences

Education: B.A., French, U.S. Military Academy at West Point; M.S., health behavior and health education, The University of Texas at Austin; Ph.D., health behavior and health education, UT

Prior job: research assistant professor at UT

What drew you to UH?

My mother earned two master’s degrees from UH. Some of my earliest memories are of sitting in the hallways doing workbooks and drawing while she attended night classes as a single parent.

Can you share a little about your background?

I was born and raised in Houston. After college, I had an active duty career in the Army, and then attended graduate school in Austin at UT.

What are your research interests/areas of expertise, and what motivates you?

My work combines my two favorite topics: tobacco/nicotine use and LGBTQ+ people and culture. I am fascinated by the commercial tobacco marketplace and the reasons and contexts where people use tobacco and nicotine. I am also committed to reducing tobacco use and other health disparities present in LGBTQ+ communities.

What project has you excited?

I am thrilled to formally mentor students and build a research lab. Finally having the space to create an academic team to understand and address LGBTQ+ tobacco disparities is a dream come true.

What advice would you give yourself as a college student?

Trust yourself — you’re the expert of your own life. And read more!

If I weren’t a professor, I’d …

… be an instructor for Outward Bound or another outdoor school.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Lifting weights, riding bikes and reading.

Heeyun Kim

Assistant Professor of Higher Education
Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies  

Education: B.A., education, Korea University; M.A., educational administration and higher education, Korea University; M.A., higher education, University of Michigan; Ph.D., higher education, University of Michigan

Prior job: research fellow at Rackham Institutional Research Office, University of Michigan

What drew you to UH?

I found myself attracted to UH because of its dedication to student success and institutional development. As a scholar in the field of higher education, UH’s track record stood out to me. The passion of ELPS faculty for student learning and research strongly resonated with me. I could see myself fitting right in and sharing those same vibes and goals.

Can you share a little about your background?

I spent my childhood in Seoul — South Korea’s bustling capital. Although my parents completed their education back in Korea, my sibling and I took a leap and headed to Michigan for our degrees. While he pursued a career in automotive design, academia was waiting for me all along. Ever since I was young, I’ve always been eager to analyze social phenomena and share knowledge with others.

What are your research interests/areas of expertise, and what motivates you?

I’m interested in holistic admissions and graduate education. My research focuses on examining the effects of diverse admissions practices and exploring how they shape the student body, applying quasi-experimental methods. Also, my work delves into the experiences and psychosocial growth of doctoral students over the entire course of their studies. My passion for these research interests was significantly shaped by my work at the Rackham Institutional Research Office, where I dedicated five years to advancing policymaking, program evaluation and student assessment initiatives.

What project has you excited?

I’ve been working on a project examining the impact of GRE-optional policies on the sociodemographic composition of the student body. Utilizing doctoral admissions records from the University of Michigan, I am examining shifts in the representation of marginalized groups within the applicant, admitted and enrolled pools following the adoption of GRE-optional policies. This project is particularly exciting as it allows for an exploration into the typically opaque doctoral admissions processes and promotes a better understanding of both student and institutional decision-making. 

What advice would you give yourself as a college student?

I value those times, as they’ve made me who I am today. But if I could share some wisdom with my younger self, it would be to stay humble, always be ready to support others, and not to forget about personal well-being — a lesson learned from my own oversight in prioritizing academic pursuits over well-being during my college years.

If I weren’t a professor, I’d …

… likely find myself sharing the wonders of the world as a tour guide or indulging my love for wines as a sommelier. I’ve been to 15 countries, and now the U.S. is my fifth home. Having moved across countries, travel has broadened my perspectives and enriched my understanding of the world.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I enjoy spending my free time with my husband hiking and looking for a good wine to pair with food we cook together. I also enjoy tea ceremony to find tranquility and a space to think up new ideas. Feel free to drop by my office — I’d love to share a cup of tea and a good conversation.

Hope Rigby-Wills

Clinical Assistant Professor of Special Populations
Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies

Education: B.S., psychology, UH; M.Ed., Texas Tech University; educational administration certification, The College of St. Rose (NY); Ed.D. in professional leadership – special populations, UH

Prior job: lecturer and Ed.D. dissertation completion coach at the UH College of Education

What drew you to UH?

I’m a Forever Coog! I am deeply invested in this city and university. I am excited to be part of the faculty preparing teachers and administrators.

Can you share a little about your background?

I’m a native Houstonian who never thought I’d be back in Houston after living on the East Coast. I am proud to say that when my mother returned to school in her 40s, she chose the UH College of Pharmacy. My sister, my niece and I have all graduated from UH, and my nephew is currently enrolled as an undergraduate in the Bauer College of Business.

What are your research interests/areas of expertise, and what motivates you?

My areas of interest are data-based individualization of instruction and adolescent literacy. Honestly, continuing my own education and seeing student growth keep me going!

What advice would you give yourself as a college student?

I had quite a bit of fun as an undergrad here at UH, so I would tell myself to study!

If I weren’t a professor, I’d …

… love to be a travel writer.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Gathering with friends and family, traveling, and working out. I’m also a pet parent to four dogs and two cats.

Nate Smith

Clinical Assistant Professor of Counseling  
Department of Psychological, Health, & Learning Sciences

Education: B.A., music/jazz studies, University of Wyoming; M.S., counseling/clinical mental health, University of Wyoming; Ph.D., counselor education, Texas Tech University.

Prior job: assistant professor of counselor education at St. Bonaventure University in Olean, New York

What drew you to UH?

The students. I worked briefly as an adjunct faculty instructing graduate counseling students and found them to be curious, empathic and eager to serve the community.

Can you share a little about your background?

I’m a first-generation college student raised in rural Wyoming. Music was my first love and I majored in jazz piano at my undergraduate institution, where I met my husband, a world-renown concert pianist. I came to the field of counseling through my work as an LGBTQIA activist with AmeriCorps. I fell in love with the profession because I could help queer and trans clients heal and confront stigma and marginalization.

After working for nearly a decade as a clinician in various settings (psychiatric hospitals, rural mental health clinics, university counseling centers), I returned to graduate school for my Ph.D. in counselor education. I’ve been a university educator for nearly five years and it’s a job I will do for the rest of my life. I love working with graduate counseling students!

What are your research interests/areas of expertise, and what motivates you?

As a narrative inquirer, I use stories as a mode of inquiry with queer and transgender populations to explore the experiences of internalized homophobia and other forces that seek to stigmatize and marginalize clients. The use of stories helps research be more accessible to the general public and has a profound and lasting impact on the author and reader.

My most recent effort includes a book entitled, “Queering Connection: Narratives of Healing in Relational Cultural Therapy with Queer and Trans Clients.” This is a collection of stories authored by practicing clinicians using a mode of feminist therapy called Relational Cultural Therapy working with queer and trans clients.

What project has you excited?

Teaching is my purpose and passion, so I’m looking forward to instructing courses and building relationships with the students of UH’s counseling program. In my scholarly work, I’m currently exploring the use of the narrative form of “short story” as a mode of researcher reflexivity.

What advice would you give yourself as a college student?

The most important thing is the relationship you have with others. Meaningful, authentic, empathic connection is the key to almost everything in life.

If I weren’t a professor, I’d…

… be a jazz pianist on a cruise ship or an author of crime and detective fiction.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

In my free time, I enjoy walking my Goldendoodle with my husband, reading and writing detective and crime fiction, traveling, and watching the newest thriller/mystery/suspense TV show.

Alison Wilson

Assistant Professor of K-12 Leadership  
Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies

Education: B.A., English, University of Central Arkansas; M.Ed., educational administration, curriculum and supervision, University of Oklahoma; Ph.D., educational administration, curriculum and supervision, University of Oklahoma

Prior job: assistant professor of practice and educational leadership program coordinator at the University of Arkansas 

What drew you to UH?

The faculty have a strong shared commitment to advancing educational equity and social justice through leadership preparation and practice. The state of Texas and city of Houston provide a rich opportunity to critically examine how political contexts shape education policy, as well as the intended and unintended consequences of these policies, particularly for historically underserved students. I am looking forward to contributing to important work that is already being done, learning from and working alongside diverse stakeholders to disrupt harmful policies and inform more equitable and just approaches. Also, Houston is such a vibrant and diverse city — I am excited to call it home!

Can you share a little about your background?

I grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma — a city and state with a history of racial violence that was omitted from the K-12 curriculum — and this has informed my ongoing learning and commitment to educational leadership preparation and support for inclusive, culturally responsive and socially just practice. English was my favorite subject throughout school, and I have always loved to write, but I didn’t have a clear idea about what I could do with those interests. I was lucky to discover my passion for teaching and even luckier to have amazing mentors through graduate school who helped me understand and navigate the worlds of higher education and academia. It was not always a direct or intentional route, but I feel very grateful for where I landed — I get to do work I love and try to pay forward the incredible mentoring that I received to arrive here.

What are your research interests/areas of expertise, and what motivates you?

I was a secondary language arts teacher and department head at a Title I school in a large district, which led to my interest in examining K-12 opportunity gaps. My research utilizes critical quantitative and critical policy analysis approaches to examine school structures, norms, policies and practices that contribute to inequitable student experiences and outcome disparities. Ultimately, I am interested in how educators can more equitably support student belonging, well-being and success in PK-12 schools, and how this understanding can inform education policy and approaches to leadership preparation, support and practice.

What project has you excited?

I’m currently working on a project that critically examines the divisive concept bans that have been enacted in many states across the U.S. and their implications for efforts around cultural responsiveness, educational equity and social justice. Moving forward, I would like to apply an intersectional lens to examine how students and teachers have experienced these policies in the Texas and Houston contexts, as well as avenues of resistance that have emerged.

What advice would you give yourself as a college student?

I would encourage myself to take time to explore and push myself outside of my comfort zone and previous experiences.

If I weren’t a professor, I’d…

… be teaching in some capacity — it’s what energizes me. I’d like to say creative writing or art, but I don’t have the talent for that so I’m happy enjoying other people’s brilliance!

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I like to be active — running, walking, hiking and biking — and also really enjoy being in nature. I also love to cook for other people.

— Compiled by Ericka Mellon

— Photos courtesy of new faculty