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Department of Education
Student Perspectives
Vichet Chhuon
Department of Education Ph.D. candidate, Cultural Perspectives and Comparative Education Emphasis, 5th year
Background: I am a Ph.D. candidate in the Cultural Perspectives and Comparative Education emphasis. I was born in Cambodia but spent most of my life in Sepulveda, California. After college I taught social studies for three years in a Los Angeles high school. My experiences working with ethnic minority immigrant youth led me to doctoral studies at UCSB. My research interests broadly include the adaptation and achievement of immigrant youth.
Why did I choose UCSB? I chose UCSB primarily due to its wonderful faculty, though Santa Barbara's beach/mountain backdrop is also a considerable draw. Professors here are committed to providing the highest quality graduate training and mentorship. As I near the completion of my program I feel pretty confident for whatever professional challenges lie ahead.
What are my research projects like/what is a typical day like? My dissertation project examines the academic experiences of Cambodian adolescents in southern California. A typical day for graduate students will vary by individual goals and by program year. First/second year students can expect to take classes, read a lot, and hopefully get their feet wet participating in faculty's research projects. Doing teaching assistant and/or research assistant work are also important experiences for students.
What advice do I have for incoming students to the Department? I suggest that new students be open to the possibility that research interest can sometimes shift. Be assertive but not pushy. Think big and always look for ways to collaborate with both faculty and your graduate student colleagues. This kind of work gets better with a variety of perspectives involved. Develop good friendships. See my buddies and I above, Francisco (left) and Rassami (middle).
Yasmine Dominguez-Whitehead
Department of Education Ph.D. candidate, Educational Leadership and Organizations Emphasis, 3rd year
Background: I am originally from the San Fernando Valley, which is twenty minutes north of Los Angeles. I have pursued most of my academic career in the Los Angeles area, doing my undergraduate work at UCLA and my M.Ed. at USC. I have also lived in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa for two years, where I completed an M.A. in Development Studies. My research interests are in higher education administration, organizational theory, issues of diversity, and transformational processes in institutions of higher education. In addition to being a full-time graduate student, I work on campus full-time as an Assistant Student Leadership Coordinator for the Office of Residential Life. This position allows me to work with undergraduate student leaders living in the residence halls.
Why did I choose UCSB? My academic interests in higher education administration and my experiences as a student affairs professional encouraged me to pursue a Ph.D. in the area of Educational Leadership and Organizations (ELO). I chose to study at UCSB based on my research interests being a good fit with the ELO emphasis and the friendly atmosphere on campus. Additional perks of studying at UCSB include its great weather and location on the beach, the many helpful faculty members both within Education and other campus departments, and working with supportive peers.
What are my research projects like/what is a typical day like? I am currently working on my dissertation research proposal and I am completing my required coursework. My dissertation will explore how university administrators make sense of their working environment in post-apartheid South Africa. I usually get up early in the morning and do some reading for my classes or work on my research for my proposal. I then go to work at my Office of Residential Life job for about eight to ten hours. When I return home from work I try to do more work on my proposal.
What advice do I have for incoming students to the Department? During my time at UCSB I have met many helpful and supportive individuals. My advice is to meet with faculty members, whose research areas are of interest to you, and to be proactive and take the initiative to seek out resources and information. Fellow students are also a great resource, and can often help you become aware of research, work, and funding opportunities. It can be easy to get carried away with work and the fast paced quarter system. Don’t forget to take care of yourself and to allocate some time in your schedule to relax and do the things you enjoy.
Graciela Fernandez
Department of Education Ph.D. candidate, Cultural Perspectives and Comparative Education Emphasis, 5th year
Background: I was born in Salinas, California to immigrant parents from Michoacán Mexico. Shortly after my birth my family returned to Mexico, where we lived for seven years, to later relocate back to the United States, but this time to the Los Angeles area. Upon graduating from high school, I came to UCSB where I received a B.A. in Sociology and Chicana/o Studies and an M.A. in Education. I am currently a Ph.D. Candidate in Cultural Perspectives and Comparative Education. My advisor is Dr. Richard P. Duran, and under his supervision I have conducted research and engaged in scholarship and public policy discussions pertaining to Latinas/os in education, parent leadership programs, and sociocultural approaches to teaching and learning.
Why did I choose UCSB? I decided to stay at UCSB for graduate school because of the praxis driven projects my advisor was involved in. In addition, I had a supportive network that I developed over my years as an undergraduate. An added element that has kept me attached to UCSB is the location and its close proximity to the beach and mountains. They come in handy during the stressful times of the quarter.
What are my research projects like/what is a typical day like? During the last three years I worked for the Office of Academic Opportunity and I was part of the California ENLACE (Engaging the Latino Community in Education) leadership team. ENLACE is a statewide initiative designed to improve Latina/o academic achievement, strengthen family and community involvement, and influence educational policy. In addition, I coordinated Padres Adelante (Parents Moving Forward), a program that promotes the college-going knowledge and school involvement of Mexican immigrant families. For my dissertation I am working on a three-year (2005-2008) ethnographic case study of the planning, implementation, and development of Padres Adelante from a university initiative to a parent led organization. This year I am also a research assistant for Dr. Jin Sook Lee on a research project on the dual-language development of Korean and Mexican immigrant students.
There is no such thing as a typical day in my graduate career. I run between the Office of Academic Preparation and Phelps Hall, the Library and the MultiCultural Center, and drive across town to do fieldwork in two elementary schools and twelve households. In addition, I meet and advise undergraduate students and I dance with Raíces de mi Tierra, UCSB’s Mexican Folklórico Dance Group.
What advice do I have for incoming students to the Department? My advice to students would be to never lose sight of your purpose for coming to gradate school. Graduate school can be a roller-coaster that has its ups and downs and drastic turns, and as long as students are grounded in their goals and values, everything is going to be just fine. I would also advise to stay connected with other students. Graduate school can be mentally and physically draining, and it is important to develop and maintain a support network .
Eunsook Jeong
Department of Education Ph.D. candidate, Teaching and Learning Emphasis, 2nd year
Background: I was born and raised in South Korea until I moved to UCSB for graduate studies. Previously, I was an elementary school teacher for approximately three and a half years in Korea. During my teaching, I was fascinated with the development of how children learn a second and foreign language and how teachers play a key role in their language acquisition. While I was teaching, I also earned my M.A. in Elementary English Education and worked on my Ph.D. at Korea National University of Education. My experiences, both professional and academic, brought me to UCSB so that I could further my understanding of second and foreign language education for children.
Why did I choose UCSB? This question was one most frequently asked by my colleagues, and my answer is simply, I LIKE UCSB. There are a number of reasons as to why I like studying at UCSB: the presence of excellent faculty whom I can consult with regarding my research interests, the opportunity to work with faculty across departments through the interdisciplinary emphases such as applied linguistics and human development, the supportive environment among the student body at GGSE, and the well-structured organization (OISS) for international students. While these are only a few, I am sure there will be more to come during my continued studies at UCSB .
What are my research projects like/what is a typical day like? Currently, I am involved in a project researching the dual language development of Korean and Mexican children. We examine how various social interactions, resources, and structures of different home and school settings have an influence on children’s dual language development. In comparison, my independent project focuses on teacher development in the field of ESL or EFL (English as a Second or Foreign Language) and asks the following question: What is the minimum or appropriate level of EFL proficiency for teachers in order to maximize students’ English learning in elementary schools?
As a graduate student, my typical day begins with consulting my schedule book to see what appointments, assignments, and deadlines I need to complete. Graduate school is full of responsibilities and there is much to accomplish, however, these responsibilities depend on what goals you plan to achieve as a graduate student, and how much you are willing to dedicate yourself.
What advice do I have for incoming students to the Department? Don’t be afraid. I regret the chances I let slip away because I was afraid of making mistakes. There are many doors ahead of us, and we have only to push and open them. There is no need to worry about what is behind, we need only to knock and open as many doors as possible in order to take full advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead.
Nicole Merino
Department of Education Ph.D. candidate, Child and Adolescent Development Emphasis, 7th year
Background: I was raised in Los Angeles, California and, unwilling to leave the perfect weather of southern California, I attended CSU Fullerton and received my Bachelors of Science in Child and Adolescent Studies. I later received my Masters in Education from UCSB. While living in Los Angeles I taught preschool through middle school and learned about my passion for teaching. Through the McNair Scholars Program I was able to work closely with a faculty adviser and learn about the possibilities of graduate school. As a McNair Scholar I explored and conducted research, worked on my writing skills, and expanded my teaching experience to undergraduate education. Working closely with a faculty member, I learned about the role of a professor in undergraduate education. It was through these experiences I realized I wanted to continue conducting research and also gain experience teaching at the college level.
Why did I choose UCSB? I chose to attend UCSB for several reasons. I wanted to be in an Education department and also study child development. When researching graduate schools, I found that most child development programs were housed in a psychology department. At UCSB I knew my efforts to both research developmental issues while considering the educational implications would be supported. When visiting schools I found the faculty at UCSB to be the most responsive and most approachable. I felt that my research and graduate student needs would be fully met.
What are my research projects like/what is a typical day like? I am currently conducting research for my dissertation. My research focuses on the relation of play to social-cognition in early childhood education. I am interested in examining how children’s preschool experiences influence their development of social cognitive skills. I am also involved in several research projects with my adviser, Dr. Yukari Okamoto. These projects all include research conducted at local preschools and are in the areas of social-cognition, number recognition, and conflict resolution. I also teach in our Teacher Education Program and serve as the coordinator for the Performance Assessment of California Teachers (PACT). A typical day can vary depending on the time of year, but often includes reading and writing for my dissertation, meeting with my adviser and research group, attending committee meetings, and working with students.
What advice do I have for incoming students to the Department? Get to know as many people as possible; this includes students and faculty. Getting to know a range of faculty and students can bring great opportunity for you during and after graduate school. Ask questions about opportunities for research, teaching, funding, and others’ experiences. I found having a small and consistent research group to meet with helped push me when I needed it. Finding the right balance of work and fun can sometimes take a few tries. You won’t be able to do everything, so don’t forget to have fun.
April Regester
Department of Education Ph.D. candidate, Special Education, Disabilities and Risk Studies Emphasis, 6th year
Background: I am finishing my doctoral program this year. I grew up in the Goleta area and attended Dos Pueblos High School. While in high school, I was involved in a club that promoted friendships between students with and without disabilities. I became very active and worked as a peer tutor all four years of high school. This experience guided me into working after graduation as a paraprofessional in a Special Education classroom. I continued to work in the field as a vocational assistant, respite care provider, inclusion assistant and home care provider. I was encouraged by my husband and co-workers to return to school. I was financially independent and worked my way through Santa Barbara City College, undergraduate school at UCSB, and am now finishing graduate school, completing an Education Specialist Credential and M.A. in Special Education, and very close to obtaining my Ph.D. I have a wonderful husband and two children, Paisley & Otis, who keep me busy when I am not working.
Why did I choose UCSB? I got to observe firsthand the benefits that UCSB had on the surrounding community. As a high school student, I participated in a research study that documented perceptions that typical students had about their peers who were in special education. Through this experience, I befriended special education teachers who then recruited me for further programs, including a buddy program and diversity awareness club. I was mentored directly by professionals who were affiliated and conducting research with UCSB. This experience and their support motivated me to apply to UCSB with an emphasis in Special Education, Disabilities and Risk Studies.
What are my research projects like/what is a typical day like? I am currently working on my dissertation, which is a long-term study on the effects of various intervention programs in a high school setting. I also work at UCSB as a supervisor in the Education Specialist Credential program and at the new Eli and Edythe Broad Asperger Center. After the completion of my dissertation, I will be starting a post-doctoral position at UCSB in the Asperger Center. My day consists of visiting school sites, writing and more writing.
What advice do I have for incoming students to the Department? Keep in close contact with your advisor! Make an effort to connect with other students through regular meetings, emails, etc. They will be the only ones who know what you are going through and will be future connections after you are done.
Anne S. Wrigley
Department of Education Ph.D. candidate, Teaching and Learning (Specialization in Science Education) Emphasis, 3rd year
Background: After my four years at Bates College, a small liberal arts institution in Maine, at which I studied physics and mathematics, I enrolled in a doctorate program in physics at the University of Connecticut. It did not take long for me to realize that, although my exposure to laboratory research was extensive, my true passion lay in teaching the subject and even in my role as a student. I made the difficult decision to leave the program in Connecticut with a M.S. in physics, and enrolled in the doctoral program here at UCSB, with my emphasis in Teaching and Learning. Although I have always been fascinated by the “science” of teaching physics, it was here in Santa Barbara that I was able to put my passion into words, engaging in conversations with dynamic individuals everyday.
Why did I choose UCSB? After twenty-three years amid snow or extreme humidity, the weather in Santa Barbara was certainly appealing. However, what is most appealing about UCSB are the opportunities available to me across departments. I secured a teaching assistantship with the Department of Physics during my first quarter. I continue to work in the department, now, as the program coordinator of the Physics Circus, an outreach program designed to promote science education in local K-12 schools.
Meanwhile, I am fortunate enough to work in another sector of the sciences, researching the Partnership for International Research and Education in Electron Chemistry and Catalysis at Interfaces (or – thank goodness for acronyms – PIRE-ECCI), which involves both faculty and graduate students from the U.S. and China. I have also been involved in teacher education, working with M.Ed. students at UCSB and teaching science methods for future elementary school teachers at Antioch University, Santa Barbara.
What is my research/what is a typical day like? My independent project will center on how the international collaboration established through the PIRE-ECCI program affects program participants’ views as to the nature of science. I am particularly fascinated by how science is “done” in the U.S. and China, and, in this sense, how crucial a current and future relationship between the two countries is and will prove to be.
What advice do I have for incoming students to the Department of Education? In my short time at UCSB, I've certainly managed to stay busy. This was easy to do given the number of appealing avenues for me – appealing avenues that balance my personality and my academic interests perfectly. If I had one piece of advice for an incoming graduate student, I might suggest that you consider all the opportunities presented, exposing yourself to as much as possible in order to sort out your true academic passions. However, too much involvement could also mean you are spreading yourself too thin. I am constantly reminding myself that I am a doctoral student – one who ought to remain sane! – and staying focused on that end result is crucial.