Desiree V
- Research Program Mentor

PhD at Ohio State University, Columbus

Expertise

Qualitative research, psychology, social justice, special education, mental health, policy issues, DEI, social issues

Bio

My academic passion focuses on addressing issues of inequity that students from minoritized backgrounds often experience in the public school system. My research has focused primarily on serving Black, Latinx, and bilingual students. I also focus on the role of school psychologists in addressing the challenges faced by minoritized students. In my free time, I enjoy dancing salsa and bachata, and working out. I love to watch women's college basketball and the WNBA, and I am a huge Ohio State football fan. I am a cat mom of 2 11-year-old tabbies!

Project ideas

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

Students Leading Change to Create Inclusivity in their Public Schools

Changes often occur in the school system without student input even though they are usually the ones most impacted. I am interested in student perspectives, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, on needed changes to create systems of support and an inclusive school environment. Possible research questions may include what change do students perceive is needed to create a positive school environment? What change would students enact if given the opportunity? In this project, students can engage in interviews or focus groups with student participants to collect data and prepare a presentation or paper detailing the study findings. Findings can also be reported in creative ways such as via a podcast or video presentation.

Languages I know

Spanish (conversational/intermediate)

Teaching experience

I have been a university faculty member for ten years. In my role, I teach graduate students (masters and doctoral) enrolled in a school psychology program.