As a research team, we are united in our fight towards educational equity and access. Our scholarship interrogates and challenges the systems, practices, and approaches that sustain inequity, in order to dream of a future where education is built with everyone in mind.
Current Researchers
Angelina L.G. Ortiz, M.Ed
She/Her/Ella
Angelina is a recent graduate of the Urban Higher Education Master’s program at UIC. She currently serves as a Fellowship Grader for BRAVEN, a career accelerator program aimed at connecting first-generation college students with solid first-job opportunities post-graduation. She is currently open to full-time roles across higher education fields. You can connect with her here.
Kirsten Straughan, MS, RD, CSSD
She/Her
Kirsten is a Clinical Assistant Professor and Director of the Nutrition Science Program at the University of Illinois, Chicago. She is a current PhD student in Urban Education Policy Studies with Dra. Luedke.
Mohammed “Moe” Azzan, M.Ed.
He/Him
Moe currently manages the Chicago Early Learning Workforce Scholarship initiative, where he leads data systems and analysis to improve outcome tracking and enhance the scholarship recipient experience.
Carlos Sanchez
He/Him/El
Carlos is a native of Southwest Chicago. He currently serves as a Research Assistant with the Center for Urban Education Leadership at UIC. He is also a Ph.D. student in Policy Studies in Urban Education, where his research interests span education, space, place, and, in particular, the creation and meaning-making experience of Latine music in Chicago for students.
Simona Stankevicius, M.A
She/Her
Simona is a Senior Academic Advisor within UIC’s College of Applied Health Sciences, where she supports students across undergraduate programs. Her research interests focus on student voices and stories within urban-serving institutions. Simona explores how students’ experiences help shape programs, resources, and supportive environments to enhance student success.
Former Researchers
Gresham Collom, Ph.D.
He/Him
Dr. Collom currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Higher Education at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Matt Denney, Ph.D.
He/Him
Dr. Denney currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Practice at the University of Arizona.
Isabella Virrueta, MS.Ed.
She/Her
Isabella currently serves as the Success Coach for the MKE Scholars program at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Cherish Golden, Ph.D. Candidate
She/Her
Future Dr. Golden is a PhD student in the Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis department at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She has over eight years of experience working in education and was most recently an Assistant Director of Admissions.
Courtney L. Luedke, Ph.D. 