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FIE Doctoral Student Research Assistants

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 DSRAs 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 occasional research symposia each spring for DSRA work and encouraging DSRAs to present papers at various educational conferences throughout the year. FIE supports DSRAs with other advanced educational opportunities to enhance their knowledge and leadership abilities.

Listed below are current and previous DSRAs along with the FIE Advisory Board that supports their research efforts.
  • Sarah Gant

    -Dissertation Interest: Adolescent brain development, professional development, and effective instructional practice.

    BA from Kenyon College

    M.Ed. from Harvard Graduate School of Educaton

    Currently Employed - Research Assistant, FIE

  • Rudy Jamison (Cohort 22)

    - Dissertation topic: Black Male Perspectives of Black Male Leader/Leadership Development in the World of Work, 2018 

         BS from A&M University

         M.Ed. from University of North Florida

         Ed.D. University of North Florida

        Currently Employed - Assistant Director, Center for Urban Education & Policy, College of Education & Human Service, University of North Florida

  • Ronnie B. Williams (Cohort 21)

    - Dissertation topic: Exploring the Perceptions of Secondary Assistant Principals Toward Their Development as Instructional Leaders, 2019

        BA in History-University of Missouri-Kansas City
        MS in Education-Nova Southeastern University
        Currently Employed - Principal, Jean Ribault Middle School, Duval County Public Schools

  • Dr. Alberto August

    - Dissertation Topic – Preschool Education in Belize: Research on the Current Status and Implications for the Future, 2008
         B.S. University of North Florida in Belize
         M.Ed. University of North Florida in Belize
         Ed.D. University of North Florida, Jacksonville

         Currently Employed – Principal, La Isla Carinosa Academy, Belize

  • Dr. Georgina David

    - Dissertation Title - Assessing the Impact of a Visual Arts Family-Focused Pre-kindergarten Intervention, 2006
         B.A. Jacksonville University
         M.Ed. University of North Florida Ed. S. University of Florida
         Ed.D. University of North Florida, Jacksonville

         Currently Employed – Private Consultant, Children’s Author, Visiting Professor at the University 

         of North Florida, College of Education and Human Services

  • Dr. Rebecca England

    - Dissertation Title - Learning the ABCs: Family Involvement in Kindergarten Literacy, 2005 
         B.A. University of Florida
         M.Ed. University of Florida
         Ed.D. University of North Florida, Jacksonville

         Currently Employed – Program Specialist, Language Arts and Reading, St. Johns County Public Schools

  • Dr. Maira Martelo
    - Dissertation Title – Early Literacy Practices and Beliefs About Education Among Hispanic Families in Jacksonville, Florida, 2013
          B.A. Universidad Autónoma de Occidente, Cali, Columbia
          M. S. Universidad Iberoamericana, Mexico D.F., Mexico
          Ed.D. University of North Florida, Jacksonville
          Currently Employed – Community Mobilization Director, Jacksonville Public Education Fund
  • Dr. Angela Shoe

    - Dissertation Topic – A Review of TAP Programs in Florida: Do Program Components Match Student Outcomes?, 2009 
         B.S. The Ohio State University
         M.Ed. Cleveland State University
         Ed.D. University of North Florida, Jacksonville

         Currently Employed – Adjunct Faculty and Community Volunteer

  • Dax Weaver (Cohort 18)

    - Dissertation topic: Theory and Application of Collaborative Evaluation

      Educational background

         BS from University of North Florida

         MPH from University of North Florida

         Currently Employed: Health-Tech Consultants, Inc.

  • Dr. James Young

    - Dissertation Title - Assessing the Impact of Family Coaching on Parental Attitudes and Behaviors, 2007 
         B.S. Savannah State College
         M.A.T. Jacksonville University
         Ed.D University of North Florida, Jacksonville

         Currently Employed – Private Education Consultant, Turnaround Solutions, Inc., Jacksonville