Conference Participants

Treasure is a dedicated psychology major with a passion for mental health advocacy and student wellness. As the Vice President of the African Student Association, founder of a youth mental health advocacy non-profit in her home country of Nigeria, and an active advocate, Treasure is committed to creating inclusive, supportive environments that prioritize mental health, both in academic settings and beyond. 

Aleksei is a senior undergrad in the philosophy program who transferred over from biology and teacher education. He has an interest in philosophy of science, disability studies, and philosophy of education. 

A current masters student in Applied Econometrics and a graduate assistant at EMU Adolf, completed his first masters in Development Economics from University Clermont Auvergne, France. He has his undergraduate degree in Economics from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, in Ghana. He has a strong interest in teaching and research in the issues of development, environment, and poverty in Africa and the world at large. Adolf is passionate about pursuing his PhD in Economics. 

James is a graduate student in the TESOL program, focusing on using AI to make language learning more engaging and effective. With teaching experience in eight countries and an upcoming role in 2025 as an ESL/EFL instructor for the United States Air Force, he’s excited to combine his passion for teaching with innovative AI tools to help students learn and connect across cultures. 

Riley works for the honors college as a lead student fellow. He has been able to participate in independent research through papers and conferences since freshman year, including becoming a published author while still an undergraduate. He also works at the Henry Ford Museum.  

Liv Dameron is a graduate student obtaining her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Liv is also the Counseling Research GA. Additionally, Liv is the Assistant Women's Lacrosse Coach here at EMU.  

Matt Eby is a second-year graduate student studying to become a Speech-Language Pathologist. He hopes to work in a rehabilitative capacity with adults in the future. 

AnnaBelle is an elementary education major at Eastern Michigan University hoping to work in the public school system. She is experienced in early childhood and previously worked as a children's librarian. She loves animals, theatre, reading, poetry, crafts, music, and her family. Her goal is to become an adaptive educator who can give her students the best education possible. 

Amy is a master's student in philosophy. She is interested in queer/feminist phenomenology. 

Ritu is an international student at EMU and is a student athlete as well. She's in her junior year majoring in CS and minoring in Business Studies. She's a member of the Honors College, EMU athletics, SWE-EMU chapter and is an Eagle ambassador as well! She's a peer mentor for the College Supports Program and is passionate about sports, Shakespeare, and research! 

Priya Ghotane is an honors student interested in educational systems and structures. She hopes to study educational issues through the lenses of Psychology, Philosophy, and Non-Profit Administration. 

Madi Gibson is a first-generation college student, studying Digital Media Production and Professional Writing at EMU, with a heightened focus on media literacy. Gibson also accumulated 2 years of restaurant management, digital marketing, and business development all before turning 21 years old.  

Skylar Holcomb is a Secondary Education Mathematics major and plans to graduate in December 2025 with honors. She is extremely excited to become a teacher, and hopes to make her future math classes a fun and engaging learning environment for every student! 

Samantha participated in the Collaborative Course (Re)Design Learning Community alongside a faculty member in the Communication Sciences and Disorders department. Their research focused on student-engagement and how to connect the field of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology through case studies and syllabus redesign. She enjoys collaborating with faculty members and other student-faculty pairs to improve student learning outcomes and engagement in higher education.  

Sydney Kamm is currently pursuing her master’s degree in communication with the goal of becoming a professor. Her research interests revolve around themes of ethical conduct, purpose, and human connection. She is passionate about empowering students by fostering environments where they can discover their sense of purpose and build self-efficacy. 

Jennifer Kean is a 2nd year master's student currently completing her thesis. She had a wonderful opportunity to work with Debbie Heyl-Clegg on redesigning the med chem course in the chemistry graduate program. This was one of the best experiences she had in grad school and led her to great learning experiences! 

Ben Kelly is a first-year graduate student in the Game Above Master's of Technology Studies program. He hopes to work as a project manager in the future. 

Ricki is a member of the School of Social Work, Honors College, and Department of Art and Design at EMU, where community building is their primary focus. Ricki’s mission is to amplify the voices of vulnerable populations and advocate for social justice in every facet of their personal and professional practice. 

Marius Martello is a sophomore at EMU majoring in Actuarial Science and Economics. He is the co-founder and treasurer for the Adoptee Club at EMU, the secretary of the EMU Economics Club, and an OIA International Student Ambassador. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer, working out, and performing the flute! 

Reese is in her third year at EMU in the Combined BA + MA Communication program with a minor in Business Management. With passions for people and creating, she is excited for the opportunity to dive deeper into the partnership between students and technology at the Faculty Development Center Flipping the Script Conference. 

Shay began researching the impact of student-faculty partnerships in 2023 with her faculty partner, Dr. Sarah Ginsberg. Shay and Sarah continue to lead learning communities in which other student-faculty partners are supported as they engage in the Collaborative Course (Re)Design (CCRD) process. Her thesis focuses on the impact of CCRD on the roles of students and faculty within the CSD discipline. 

Laila Panzenhagen is a 4th year student at EMU. Her major is Secondary Education Mathematics and she plans on minoring in Special Education. 

Elena Parshall (she/her/hers) is a 4th year student studying Clinical Laboratory Sciences, in the Histotechnology track. She transferred to EMU at the beginning of the Fall 2023 semester from Trine University in Angola, Indiana. Elena is currently a member of the Living Learning Community TRIO SSS on campus and works as a Peer Mentor. After receiving her degree and certifications, she intends to go to medical school with the intention of becoming an anatomic pathologist. 

Trinity Perkins is a junior at Eastern Michigan University, studying Criminology and Criminal Justice and pursuing a career in law enforcement, specifically in the FBI. She has minors in Sociology and Public Law and Government as well. Trinity is also a member of the Honors College and a McNair Scholar. 

Autum Persinger is a disability activist who focuses on disability-oriented projects to improve EMU’s campus engagement and environment. She is the co-president of the Disability Revolution Club at EMU, which is just one of her many disability projects. 

Islam Ramadan is a first-generation Palestinian-American college student who highlights the importance of balancing mental health and school-life. By pursuing a Secondary Education Teaching and Learning degree, Islam's end goal is to encourage critical thinking, and establish a new way of learning. 

Damian Rivera is a queer first-generation Mexican student obtaining his social work degree at EMU, with plans to pursue a master's. Damian ia proud to be part of the Honors College, TRIO, Student Government, and LSA. When not busy with school, Damian loves to spend his free time running.

Monse Pastrano Romero has several years of experience working as an architect. She joined EMU's Construction Management graduate program thinking that pursuing a master's degree in a foreign country with a second language would be a tough challenge. She recently taught herself to utilize AI to succeed in her career and enhance her existing skills.  

Kiley Shay is a senior at Eastern Michigan University, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Criminology. 

Zoe Sponseller, a junior from Spokane, WA, is pursuing a major in Secondary Education Mathematics with a minor in Chemistry. With a passion for education, Zoe is working towards becoming a future math teacher. She is eager to inspire and engage students in the field of mathematics. 

Kaitlyn Tracy is a Computer Science Master’s student, President of Women in Computer Science, Member-At-Large of the AI Student Association, consultant for the SEMIS Foundation, and Human-Computer Interaction researcher.  Her research involves generative AI in a virtual reality classroom and how its presence impacts students.   

Edgar is a second year master's student in philosophy. His primary interests are in Asian Philosophy and Philosophy of Science. 

Vheena Villareal (she/her) is a 2023 EMU alumna and current graduate student studying Educational Leadership - Higher Education Student Affairs. She is incredibly passionate about student voice, development, and advocacy, which is especially highlighted in EMU's episode of "The College Tour." 

Joy Beatty is the department head of Management in the College of Business. Her research addresses diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, specifically for people with disabilities and chronic illness. 

Jennifer Felts lives in Ypsilanti  and has taught Theatre Arts at Eastern Michigan University for 17 years, first as a part-time lecturer and currently as a full-time lecturer.  At EMU she has taught courses in acting, voice, movement, play theory, and theatre appreciation.  With a background in devised physical theatre, Jennifer is a movement expert, choreographer, director, actor and teacher.  Using this skill-set, she has contributed to over 40 productions at EMU. 

Dr. Ron Flowers is completing his twenty-fifth year at EMU. During his time at EMU, he has served in various leadership roles, including HESA Program Coordinator, Department Head for Leadership and Counseling, Chair of the Graduate Counsel, and member of the Faculty Senate Executive Committee. His current focus is on college students' mental health and wellness. 

Sarah is the FDC Faculty Associate Director and Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Her teaching and her research focus on student-faculty collaborations and partnerships. She believes that learning from students makes us all better educators. 

Chiron Graves is in his 16th year at EMU and his 25th year as an educator overall. He is interested in how people learn and in faculty-student relationships that promote student learning in science.

Quentin Hunter, PhD, LPC is an assistant professor in the Department of Leadership & Counseling at Eastern Michigan University and associate editor for the Journal of Counseling and Development and the International Journal for the Advancement of Counselling. His counseling experience includes work in school and clinical mental health settings.

Dr. Siyuan Jiang is an Associate Professor of Computer Science at EMU, specializing in software engineering, and AI applications. She actively supports student development through research and hands-on projects. 

Jenny Kindred has been at EMU since 2006, and teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in organizational communication and communication theory. She is also currently a Gen Ed Faculty Fellow and a Faculty Associate in the Graduate School.

Professor Koolage studies General and Feminist Philosophy of Science, Cognitive Science, and Teaching and Learning. He is a huge fan of pedagogies that flatten the hierarchy, allowing the participation in learning and learning activity design from all participants. 

Kristopher G. Phillips is an assistant professor of philosophy in the Department of History and Philosophy at Eastern Michigan University. His research interests lie in early modern European philosophy, the philosophy of education, and public philosophy. He is editor of the journal Precollege Philosophy and Public Practice, and has taught at EMU since 2023.  

Caren Putzu is an Associate Professor in the School of Social Work. She primarily teaches research methods, policy, social welfare history, and a GEQR course in social work. Her research focuses on the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) within bachelor’s level social work education. 

Christopher Robbins is a Professor of Social Foundations of Education. He is the coordinator of the Ph.D. in Educational Studies program and a core member of The Workshop for Community+Collaboration. 

Andrew M. Ross is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, focusing on applied math and data science. He is also a member of Transformative Eastern Michigan Mathematics Educators (TEMME), a group focused on revamping the secondary-education math teacher preparation program. He is a co-author of the set of active learning materials "Statistics for Future Secondary Teachers."

Dr. Anthony Webster is a seasoned higher education professional with over 15 years of experience focusing on student success, retention, and equity initiatives. As the TRIO Student Support Services Director at Eastern Michigan University, he is dedicated to advocating for first-generation students and creating environments that allow students to thrive while equipping faculty and staff with the tools to foster inclusive practices and support student achievement.