Project Team

Dr. Samantha A. Marshall, Principal Investigator

Dr. Marshall is an assistant professor in the Department of Teacher Education and Learning Sciences (TELS) at North Carolina State University. A first-generation college graduate, she received her B.S.E. in mathematics from Oklahoma Christian University, her M.A. from Columbia University, and her Ph.D. in Learning, Teaching & Diversity from Vanderbilt University. Dr. Marshall’s work lies at the intersection of teacher learning, justice-oriented mathematics education, and learning sciences. Motivated by the need to support teachers in learning anti-oppressive forms of education, her work seeks to design, investigate, and refine supports for teachers’ learning. Dr. Marshall’s research projects have spanned questions of teachers’ learning through professional development, how teachers’ learning is shaped by enactment in context, as well as how STEM teachers learn ambitious, asset-based, and culturally sustaining pedagogies. Drawing on sociocultural and sociopolitical theories, she uses ethnographic methods of data collection as well as critical discourse and interaction analysis methods to understand learning in context.

Dr. Sunghwan Byun, Co-Principal Investigator

Sunghwan conducts research on discourse and social interaction in data science, mathematics, and statistics teaching and learning. He is an Assistant Professor of Mathematics Education in the Department of STEM Education at NC State. He also serves as the Director of Educational Research at the NC State Data Science Academy. Prior to his academic career, he was a high school mathematics teacher and a National Board Certified Teacher. His current research focuses on undergraduate data science and statistics instruction, and his work aims to support educators in facilitating productive and equitable learning opportunities for students with historically marginalized backgrounds.

Amelia Q. Rivera, M.Ed., Research Assistant

Amelia Q. Rivera, a passionate PhD student at North Carolina State University, is a leading advocate for Educational Equity. Her dedication has earned her prestigious recognition as a Dean Fellow and Vice President of the Holmes Scholars community. Amelia’s research centers on vital educational issues, particularly in the realm of Black Linguistic Justice. She addresses power dynamics in language and actively combats anti-Black linguistic racism, aiming to expose and rectify discriminatory language practices. Her scholarly pursuits extend to pedagogy, focusing on translanguaging to foster inclusive teaching strategies. Amelia is committed to preparing educators to create equitable, empowering learning environments. In summary, Amelia Q. Rivera is a dedicated scholar devoted to challenging systemic inequities and advancing a just and inclusive education system. Her work is making a significant impact in the fields of educational equity and linguistic justice.

Patricia Ambrosio, Research Assistant

Patricia Ambrosio is a doctoral student in the educational equity program at NC State, originally from Brazil. Her research focuses on fostering collaboration among educators, mainly through the co-teaching models, intending to build a cohesive community that promotes educational equity. She is a member of the AACTE Holmes Scholars Program. Her academic journey unfolds in diverse settings, with a Bachelor of Secondary Education in Modern Language from Brazil and a Master of Arts in Teaching with a specialization in English as a Second Language from UNC Charlotte. Patricia’s dedication to teaching has earned her accolades such as being a NHA finalist for the Excellence in Teaching Award in 2021-22, the Reubin McNeill Teacher of the Year Award in 2020, and titles like Teacher of the Year in 2018-219, and Student Teacher of the Year nominee in 2016.