Building upon FIE’s mission of improving education at all levels, FIE has developed a tradition of supporting the research of doctoral students enrolled in the University of North Florida’s Educational Leadership program. Doctoral Student Research Assistants (DSRA) gain the opportunity to work with highly-respected, knowledgeable FIE staff and to use their education in a research-oriented organization. FIE staff directly work with DSRA’s in the capacity of mentoring, knowledge-building, and further developing and refining their research skills.

FIE promotes DSRA research with several activities such as sponsoring a research symposium each spring for DSRA work and encourages DSRA’s to present papers at various educational conferences throughout the year. FIE supports DSRA’s with other advanced educational opportunities to enhance their knowledge and leadership abilities.

Listed below are current and previous DSRA’s along with the FIE Advisory Board that supports their research efforts.

Alberto August (Cohort 15)
- Dissertation Topic – Preschool Education in Belize: Research on the Current Status and Implications for the Future
     B. S. University of North Florida in Belize
     M. Ed. University of North Florida in Belize
     Currently Employed – Doctoral Student Research Assistant, FIE

Darrell Perry (Cohort 10)
- Dissertation Topic – Struggling Adolescents Readers and Their Preferences for Leisure Reading
     B. S. University of North Florida
     M. Ed. University of North Florida
     Currently Employed – Principal, Paxon Middle School, Duval County Public Schools

Angela Shoe (Cohort 15)
- Dissertation Topic – A Review of TAP Programs in Florida: Do Program Components Match Student Outcomes?
     B. S. The Ohio State University
     M. S. Cleveland State University
     Currently Employed – Doctoral Student Research Assistant, FIE

Dr. Georgina David (Cohort 12)
- Dissertation Title - Assessing the Impact of a Visual Arts Family-Focused Pre-kindergarten Intervention
     B. A. Jacksonville University
     M. Ed. University of North Florida Ed. S. University of Florida
     Currently Employed – Private Consultant, Children’s Author, Visiting Professor at the      University of North Florida, College of Education and Human Services

Dr. Rebecca England (Cohort 10)
- Dissertation Title - Learning the ABCs: Family Involvement in Kindergarten Literacy
     B. A. University of Florida
     M. Ed. University of Florida
     Currently Employed – Family Involvement Specialist, FIE

Dr. James Young (Cohort 6)
- Dissertation Title - Assessing the Impact of Family Coaching on Parental Attitudes and Behaviors
     B. S. Savannah State College
     M. A.T. Jacksonville University
     Currently Employed – Principal, Orange Park Junior High School, Clay County Public Schools

Dr. Afesa Adams PhD.

Dr. Cheryl Fountain EdD.

Dr. Stephanie Wehry PhD.