Recent Dissertation/Thesis Defenses

Join us in celebrating our CEHS graduate students on their recent dissertation and thesis defenses! Through their research, these CEHS scholars are advancing knowledge, finding solutions to societal challenges, and enhancing the lives of individuals, families, schools and communities.

Kelsey Quaisley is joined by her faculty committee advisors following her dissertation defense.

03 May 2023    

Learning to Teach Prospective Elementary Teachers: A Narrative Inquiry of a Newer Mathematics Content Instructor

Kelsey Quaisley has successfully defended her doctoral dissertation titled “Learning to Teach Prospective Elementary Teachers: A Narrative Inquiry of a Newer Mathematics Content Instructor,” as part of the Educational Studies Doctor of Philosophy program.

View Learning to Teach Prospective Elementary Teachers: A Narrative Inquiry of a Newer Mathematics Content Instructor Article

Professional headshot of Uma Ganesan on a red background.

27 Apr 2023    

Exploration of the Lived Experiences of Native American Science Teachers of the Great Plains: A Narrative Inquiry

Uma Ganesan has successfully defended her doctoral dissertation titled “Exploration of the Lived Experiences of Native American Science Teachers of the Great Plains: A Narrative Inquiry,” as part of the Educational Studies Doctor of Philosophy program.

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Professional headshot of Ross Westemeyer on a red background.

20 Apr 2023    

Neuroplastic and behavioral effects of skill- and strength-based swallowing rehabilitation

Ross Westemeyer has successfully defended his doctoral dissertation titled “Neuroplastic and behavioral effects of skill- and strength-based swallowing rehabilitation,” as part of the Human Sciences Doctor of Philosophy program.

View Neuroplastic and behavioral effects of skill- and strength-based swallowing rehabilitation Article

Professional headshot of Erin Pearson on a red background.

18 Apr 2023    

Following the “Iron Lady” and Finding a University

Erin Pearson has successfully defended her doctoral dissertation titled “Following the “Iron Lady” and Finding a University,” as part of the Educational Administration, Educational Leadership and Higher Education Doctor of Philosophy program.

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Professional headshot of Scott Gregory on a red background.

18 Apr 2023    

Knowns and Unknowns: Mapping the PPAT Assessments Influence on Student Teacher Multicultural Teaching

Scott Gregory has successfully defended his doctoral dissertation titled “Knowns and Unknowns: Mapping the PPAT Assessments Influence on Student Teacher Multicultural Teaching,” as part of the Educational Administration, Doctor of Education degree program .

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Sculpture outside of Love Library on a sunny day on City Campus.

16 Apr 2023    

The Impact of Poverty Informed Faculty on Community College Success

Barbara Embacher has successfully defended her doctoral dissertation titled “The Impact of Poverty Informed Faculty on Community College Success,” as part of the Educational Administration, Educational Leadership and Higher Education Doctor of Philosophy program.

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Red sculpture photographed upwards with blue sky and clouds behind.

15 Apr 2023    

Women as Leaders in The Bourbon Industry

Candice Cress has successfully defended her doctoral dissertation titled “Women as Leaders in The Bourbon Industry,” as part of the Educational Administration, Educational Leadership and Higher Education Doctor of Philosophy program.

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Professional headshot of Jason Thomsen on a red background.

15 Apr 2023    

A Multi-Case Examination of Leadership Development Programs for Emerging Educational Leaders in K-12 School Districts

Jason Thomsen has successfully defended his doctoral dissertation titled “A Multi-Case Examination of Leadership Development Programs for Emerging Educational Leaders in K-12 School Districts,” as part of the Educational Administration, Educational Leadership and Higher Education Doctor of Philosophy program.

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Professional headshot of Barbara Schousha on a red background.

15 Apr 2023    

Student Support in Online Learning at Small Catholic Colleges

Barbara Shousha has successfully defended her doctoral dissertation titled “Student Support in Online Learning at Small Catholic Colleges,” as part of the Educational Administration, Educational Leadership and Higher Education Doctor of Philosophy program.

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Professional headshot of Brandon Heinz on a red background.

14 Apr 2023    

The Impact of Policies on Racial Equity and Instructor Experiences in Higher Education Institutions During Emergency Online Learning

Brandon Heinz has successfully defended his doctoral dissertation titled “The Impact of Policies on Racial Equity and Instructor Experiences in Higher Education Institutions During Emergency Online Learning,” as part of the Educational Studies Doctor of Philosophy program.

View The Impact of Policies on Racial Equity and Instructor Experiences in Higher Education Institutions During Emergency Online Learning Article