Conference Participants

Hannah Bollin is a Ph.D. student in the Educational Studies program at EMU, a doctoral fellow, and a site coordinator in the Project BIG Mentoring Program. Her research interests include intersectional mentorship and the use of queer theory in afterschool programming. Being a first generation high school graduate from rural Appalachia, Hannah's research is very personal to her and her passion for education stems from the many great educators who supported her along the way. 

My name is Jack Booth, and I am a sophomore from Saginaw, MI, studying Business Management and Spanish. I'm in the honors college, the Presidential Scholars Association, Student Government's Business and Finance Committee, and I work as a tour guide in the Office of Admissions. After graduating, I hope to enroll in law school to pursue my legal dreams! 

My name is Kara Caro and I am majoring in Public and Nonprofit Administration. I'm from Toledo, Ohio and with my degree, I hope to work with nonprofits in my hometown. I have worked with and volunteered for many nonprofits and it has given me a love for helping others. 

Ivana, originally a native of Houston, Texas, is a sophomore at EMU. She is a pre-med biology major with a concentration in physiology and aspires to become a Forensic Pathologist .

I have completed my bachelors in Civil Engineering and started working as a Structural Design Engineer for the past few years in United Arab Emirates. Civil was my passion and I have always loved what I did. After all these years of experience in industry I came to US to pursue my second Masters in Construction Management to gain in-depth knowledge in my industry. 

Hello, my name is Savannah Covault. I am a senior studying Psychology with a minor in Criminology. I am currently applying to graduate programs in hopes to become a criminal psychology researcher. In my free time I love to create art and listen to music. You can always find me with my headphones on. 

Symone is a clinical mental health counseling master's student with a passion for amplifying marginalized voices and empowering others to thrive. She currently works with undergraduate students in work study placements, as well as working at a local counseling office. Symone's experience as a Black woman in a master's program, and her work with financially disadvantaged students gives her layered understanding of how diversity is experienced in the classroom.

Matt Eby is a first year Master's student of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Eastern Michigan University. He received a Bachelor's of Arts in French and Linguistics from the University of Michigan in 2020 and has since spent his time teaching English on the French island of La Réunion. He enjoys playing and listening to music and meeting new people, and plans to enter the field of speech-language pathology upon graduating from EMU.  

Alivia English is a second-year graduate student in the Communication Sciences and Disorders program. She is also the Graduate Assistant for the Faculty Development Center, and in that position she is helping to lead the Student-Instructor Partnerships in Clinical Education Learning Community. Her research interests largely involve clinical education, as she is conducting her thesis research on clinical educators' perspectives on clinical education as well. 

Rebecca Gilkey is a Ph. D. student in the Educational Studies program at EMU. She has a passion for challenging the current systems of education and identifying how to better support students with disabilities and their families. Her research interests include multi-agency collaboration in schools and how to best support student needs within the classroom. As a mom of two, she understands how difficult it can be to navigate multiple practitioners in and out of school and wants to buttress current systems to foster positive outcomes for all. 

+Gabrielle (Gabby) Heier is a second-year graduate student in the Communication Sciences and Disorders program. Her goal is to become a Pediatric/NICU speech-language pathologist (SLP) in a hospital, and her research interests include Complex Communication Needs as well as an SLP's role in the NICU focusing around dysphagia and lactation.

I am a first-year student, majoring in computer science at EMU.  I am passionate about technological innovation and its transformative potential, and am deeply fascinated by generative AI. In my presentation, I will aim to dynamically share my passion for this subject, and to simplify complex concepts, making them accessible to a broad audience. My goal is to inspire others to explore the thrilling realm of artificial intelligence and its boundless possibilities in their classrooms, with their students.  This will help us to drive forward the frontiers of technology.  

Kaycee Johnson is a senior, double majoring in Psychology and Creative Writing. She works in the University Writing Center and is on the EMU Rowing team. Her Flipping the Script project means a lot to her because of her personal and educational experiences with neurodivergence and improving educational practices. 

Marin Kempen, BS, is a clinical mental health counselor-in-training and a graduate assistant for the School-Based Counseling Clinic at Eastern Michigan University. After completing a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Environmental Science and Society at EMU in 2018, Marin worked as a supervisor at a call center that assisted the State Park systems of MI, WA, MD, and WI. He has also had internships and various volunteer roles in the non-profit, recreation, and agriculture sectors. In January of 2022, he returned to Eastern Michigan University to pursue a master’s degree and professional licensure in clinical mental health counseling. When Marin graduates, he hopes to practice individual or couple and family counseling with diverse populations such as the LGBTQ+ and disabled community. 

Ricki is a nineteen year old sophomore who was born and raised here in Ypsilanti. Ricki hopes to work with older adults in their future in Social Work. Ricki’s goal is to use the privilege they’ve been granted in this life to amplify the voices of others. 

My name is Tra’chelle Lewis. I am a freshman majoring in nursing and minoring in film. I am also part of the Trio SSS program and involved in organizations on campus named STYLE and Sistas That Care. I look forward to meeting new people! 

I am a senior studying Technology Management and minoring in Communication. In my free time, I participate in TRIO SSS, Alpha Phi Omega and Planned Parenthood Generation Action.

Beth is a queer woman working towards her second career as a counselor, with a specific focus on trauma work and queer identity support. She worked for ten years in social and youth service settings, both religious and secular. When not studying, she enjoys hiking, video games, and year-long Halloween celebrations. 

Jackie is a college counseling master's student, with ample experience working on college campuses in rec. and ed. Her work and life experiences have positioned her as a trailblazer in many professional aspects. Her compassion, conviction, and insight challenge and inspire others for a better world. 

Hi! I’m Reese McClelland, a sophomore at EMU studying Communication and Management. On campus, I’m involved in the Honors College, and I am a tour guide and an RA. After college, I hope to pursue a career in the Recruitment and Development sector of Human Resources. 

Shay received her BA in Neuroscience from the University of Michigan in 2016 and is currently a graduate student studying Communication Sciences and Disorders here at EMU. She is excited for students to become more involved in their education, and for instructors to expand their understanding of student learning. In her free time, you can find her gardening, trying out new restaurants, and cycling around Ann Arbor. 

Alivia "Liv" Overbee is a senior studying Neuroscience on the Pre-Medicine track, with a minor in Women's and Gender Studies. Post-graduation, she plans on exploring a career in Neurosurgery and Neuroprosthetics. Outside of her education, Liv enjoys nature, thrifting, and cats.

My name is Elena Parshall, I'm a transfer student at Eastern Michigan University from Trine University. I have switched my majors three times and finally feel like I'm in the correct fit: Clinical Lab Sciences. I'm from a very small town and have five brothers. 

Hi, my name is Autumn and I am studying social work here at EMU! I’m a disability activist for my community. I also love to read and very enthusiastic about school. 

Johnathan Platt, BS, is a clinical mental health counselor-in-training and a graduate assistant researcher within the Department of Leadership and Counseling at Eastern Michigan University. After completing a bachelor’s degree in mathematics in 2014, Johnathan worked as an educator, providing math intervention services to at-risk student populations. In 2021, he returned to Eastern Michigan University to pursue a master’s degree and professional licensure in clinical mental health counseling. His research, completed under the supervision of Dr. Quentin Hunter, has been focused on creating tools that counselors can use to prepare themselves for work with clients who hold problematic social beliefs. 

My name is Kiley Shay and I am a junior with a Psychology major and a Biology in Humans minor. I am from a small rural area in Michigan and have two older siblings. I am also proud to be a first generation college student. 

Amanda Slivka is a second-year graduate student in the Communication Sciences and Disorders program. She plans to go into the school system as an Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) and her research interests lie in Early Intervention and Autism. 

Jay is a recent EMU graduate (April 2023). As a student, they worked with the LGBTQ+ Resource Center on campus, and are now using their social work master's degree to support young people through Ozone House. They have powerful insights into being a student with intersectional identities, including neurodivergence, queer identities, and BIPOC. 

I am a second year graduate student in the Communication MA program. I currently also am a second year Communication Teaching graduate assistant. I also do work for the Title IX office. 

Hi, my name is Mars Ward and I am a non-binary undergraduate student here at EMU. I am a TESOL major/Linguistics minor. 

Amy Bearinger is an advocate for student-driven success and is committed to empowering students at Eastern Michigan University. Amy is a full-time lecturer teaching a variety of communication courses and also serves as the event coordinator for the Undergraduate Symposium.  

Dr. Choudhuri is invested in her students showcasing their brilliant selves; becoming compassionate and culturally competent counselors who can address diverse clients with humility and effectiveness. 

I have been on the faculty at Eastern Michigan University for over 20 years. My research has focused on the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL), within my field and across higher education. I rely on collaborative approaches to education and it has become the focus of much of my work in both my teaching and my research.  

I focus on science education and have been at EMU for 14 years. I've worked as a high school and middle school science teacher in Louisiana and Illinois prior to coming to EMU.

Matthew is an Alumnus of EMU (class of '07) earning his degree in Business Administration, focusing on Management.  Matthew stayed in the field of Student Affairs, mainly in housing, for the first 10 years of his professional life and then switched into Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Administration, earning 2 Masters Degrees in Educational Leadership and is currently ABD for his PhD in Educational Leadership and Public Policy.  He served as Asst. Vice President for Student Affairs overseeing Title IX and Disability Services in his last role, which was at a Nursing College just outside of Boston.  

Julia Heck (she/her) serves as the University Ombuds at Eastern Michigan University. Additionally, she is a Certified Organizational Ombuds Practitioner (CO-OP®) and Certified Student Affairs Educator (CSAEd). As a first-generation student and professional, and as a woman-identified, millennial leader, she is a believer in the worthiness we all intrinsically hold and an investor in the exponential potential of those who allow her to be a part of their life stories. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership at EMU, and holds an M.A. in Educational Leadership from EMU, as well as a B.S. in Psychology and B.A. in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Stout.  

Dr. Quentin Hunter is an assistant professor in the Department of Leadership & Counseling at Eastern Michigan University. His counseling experience includes work with individuals across the life span in hospital, community counseling, school, and private practice settings. Dr. Hunter has multiple publications, including peer-reviewed manuscripts, book chapters, and edited books, and serves as associate editor for the Journal of Counseling and Development and the International Journal for the Advancement of Counselling.  

Dr. Jarrah joined the School of Visual and Built Environments at EMU in 2021 as an assistant professor, where he teaches courses in Construction Management as well as Civil Engineering. He has 10 years of construction contracting experience in the Middle East and North Africa, mostly on railway and infrastructure projects. His research interests include sustainability, risk management, and engineering education. 

Michael McVey is a professor in the Teacher Education Department and has worked extensively in the use of emerging technologies and instructional design. He recently authored a chapter in Championing Technology Infusion in Teacher Preparation (ISTE, 2020) and serves on the board of directors for the International Society for Technology in Education. 

Ann has been teaching at EMU for ten years, focusing on the complex relationship between social justice and social work. She lives in Detroit and is active in anti-poverty and anti-racism organizing, particularly through her involvement in the Michigan Welfare Rights Organization and the General Baker Institute. 

Dr. Jessica Swan is an assistant professor of teacher education at Eastern Michigan University who teaches courses focused on educational psychology and educational assessment.  Prior to joining the faculty at EMU, Jessica spent 15 years working as an urban educator, earned a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction in 2015, and completed a doctorate in The Foundations of Education, Educational Psychology in 2020. She is a humanist who seeks to restore dignity, respect, and protection from harm through an education grounded in love, care, joy, and our shared humanity.

Dr. Zuzana Tomaš is a Professor of ESL/TESOL and a facilitator of the Academic Service-Learning (AS-L) seminar for faculty fellows. She is also a Fulbright scholar who has presented her scholarship at numerous conferences and conducted teacher professional development workshops in ten countries. Dr. Tomaš is a co-author of three books and over thirty articles and book chapters on multilingual literacy pedagogy, service-learning, global citizenship, and teacher education.