Sydney R
- Research Program Mentor
EdM at Texas State University
Expertise
Higher Education, Multiracial/Transracial Adoptee students, College Student Transitions, Non-Traditional Students, First-Generation Students
Bio
As a first-generation, multiracial student, my academic journey has been driven by a profound love of learning and a desire to explore and share knowledge that I wish I had encountered during my undergraduate studies. My research passions focus on college readiness, transitions, and matriculation, academic perseverance, and the experiences of multiracial and transracial adoptee students. I've had the privilege of presenting my work at local and regional conferences, showcasing my findings to fellow professionals in the field. Outside of my academic and professional endeavors, I find balance and joy as an avid tennis player and participate in weekly trivia nights with friends. These activities provide much-needed relief and a chance to recharge after dedicating myself to supporting my students in achieving their personal goals and ambitions. One piece of advice I always share with my students is to give themselves grace when starting something new. Everything is a learning process, and embracing this mindset is key to growth and success.Project ideas
Rural Multiracial Students and Their Transition to a R1 Institution
In this project, I would use qualitative methods to investigate the multi-leveled challenges faced by multiracial and transracial adopties who grew up in rural areas of the southwest and now are transitioning into college at a R1 institution. The culmination of this project would be an academic poster with testimonials and quotes from anonymous interview participates.
Navigating the Multiracial College Experience: Transitioning from High School and Shaping the Path Aheada
As the multiracial population in the United States and college enrollment continue to rise, this presentation focuses on understanding the unique needs of this growing student demographic. Drawing from key theoretical frameworks—Nancy Schlossberg’s Transition Theory, Vincent Tinto's Model of Retention, and Kristen Renn’s Ecological Theory of Mixed Race Identity Development—participants will gain insights into transitions, the role of academic advising in fostering persistence and retention during a student’s first year, and multiracial identity development. This presentation encourages active participation in learning shared best practices for advising multiracial students, contributing to the broader goal of creating inclusive and equitable higher education environments.