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 the University of Illinois, Chicago. She is a Research Assistant supporting Dra. Luedke, and she is exploring doctoral pathways.
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.
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. 