Wondering what it's like to be a PhD in Educational Studies at the Marsal Family School of Education?
Our PhD ambassadors would love to connect with you to share their experiences and answer your questions. Use the links below to schedule a meeting with an ambassador or submit a form with your questions and receive a reply from an ambassador—and let us know if there's a particular ambassador you'd like to connect with. We look forward to hearing from you!
Jennifer aracely Rodriguez
Research Interests: Math and Statistics Education, Belonging-Centered Instruction
Jennifer Aracely Rodriguez is a doctoral student in Educational Studies with a focus on mathematics and statistics education.
Prior to coming to Michigan, Jennifer completed a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics, with an additional concentration in statistics and a minor in computer science, at California State University, Bakersfield in 2020. The same year, she moved to Michigan and worked on her master’s in applied statistics at the University of Michigan. In her graduate studies, she worked as a graduate student instructor and mentor for an introductory statistics and data science course.
Jennifer is a first generation Hispanic student. She loves to explore the outdoors, food around campus, and start hobbies like nail art and jewelry making!
Isabelle Eng
Research Interests: Teacher Professional Development, Teacher Preparation, Instructional Coaching Models
Isabelle Eng is a doctoral student in Educational Studies. Her research interests lie in the professional development of in-service teachers and teacher preparation, specifically in instructional coaching.
Before coming to Michigan, Isabelle was a lecturer at the National Institute of Early Childhood Education (Singapore) and pursued her master of education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. In her free time, Isabelle hikes, reads, and watches comedies.
Jessica Bautista
Research Interests: Justice-Oriented Science Education, Elementary Teacher Preparation
Jessica Bautista is a doctoral student in Education Studies with a focus on elementary science education and teacher preparation.
Jess is originally from Houston, Texas, where she taught science for five years and served as an instructional coach for two years. She has a three-year-old son, a wonderful partner, and two cats. She is passionate about supporting and advocating for students, whether they are in elementary or graduate school, and would love to connect with you!
Kyle P. Smith
Research Interests: English Education, Queer Literacies, Teacher Education
Kyle P. Smith (he/him) is a doctoral student in Educational Studies. A former public school teacher from Kentucky, Kyle maintains a commitment to secondary English language arts by examining the promises and precarity of critical literacy instruction. With a particular emphasis on exploring the pedagogical possibilities of LGBTQ+ young adult literature to talk across differences, his work interrogates how race, religiosity, and nationhood are refracted through literary analysis and classroom conversation.
Marcela Ortiz Guerrero
Research Interests: Refugee Education, Education in Emergencies, International and Comparative Education
Marcela Ortiz Guerrero is a doctoral student in Educational Studies. Originally from Chillán, Chile, her academic background lies in sociology and public policy and she is interested in the educational experiences of refugee and immigrant students.
Before joining Educational Studies, Marcela collaborated with international organizations on project spanning various countries in Latin America. When she is not immersed in her studies, you'll find her exploring the outdoors or getting active with a workout.
Have questions about being an international student at the University of Michigan? Feel free to reach out—Marcela's here to share her experiences!