• Director

  • Researcher

  • Postdoctoral Scholar

  • Affiliated Faculty

  • Doctoral Students

  • Research Assistant

    • Director

    Joshua M. Rosenberg, Ph.D.

    Associate Professor
    Department: Theory & Practice in Teacher Education
    Email: jmrosenberg@utk.edu

    Personal website: https://joshuamrosenberg.com/

    Researcher

    Sarah Narvaiz, Ph.D.

    Bio: Sarah received her PhD in Educational Psychology and Research at the University of Tennessee. Her research interests include survey research, psychometrics, QuantCrit methods, and supporting underserved and underrepresented populations. Sarah enjoys powerlifting and helping her community.

    Postdoctoral Scholar

    Maryrose Weatherton, Ph.D.

    Bio: Maryrose Weatherton received her PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Tennessee, and her Bachelor's of Science at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. When Maryrose is not hard at work, she enjoys gardening, rock climbing, and spending time with her two dogs, Poppy and Bug.

    Affiliated Faculty

    Louis Rocconi, Ph.D.

    Associate Professor
    Department: Evaluation, Statistics, and Methodology
    Bio: Louis Rocconi is an Associate Professor and Program Coordinator for the Evaluation, Statistics, and Methodology PhD program at the University of Tennessee. His research focuses on helping researchers and practitioners better utilize statistical methods and survey research methodologies. In his spare time, Louis enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters and cheering on the Vols!

    Lexi Lishinski, Ph.D.

    Research Assistant Professor
    Bio: Lexi received her PhD in Educational Psychology and Educational Technology from Michigan State University in 2017. She previously received an MA in Philosophy from Texas A&M University in 2013, and a BA in Philosophy and German from MSU in 2010. In her free time she spends time with her wife Amy and son Avery, and plays piano and guitar.

    Fatima Zahra, Ph.D.

    Assistant Professor
    Department: Evaluation, Statistics, and Methodology
    Bio: Fatima Tuz Zahra is an Assistant Professor of Evaluation, Statistics, and Methodology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She leads research on how technology, jobs, and education intersect to shape policy decisions. Her current projects explore technology-enhanced learning across Bangladesh, India, and the US and sustainable livelihood initiatives for refugees, informed by rigorous evaluation methodologies. She enjoys art, music, poetry, boxing, and most importantly the company of people who want to have a positive impact on others' lives.

    Doctoral Students

    Amanda Hendricks

    Program: Theory & Practice in Teacher Education
    Bio: Amanda is a PhD student in TPTE at the University of Tennessee. She received a B.S. in Human Learning at Tennessee Technological University and M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction at Tusculum University. Amanda is passionate about place based learning and basically really digs being outside.

    Cody Pritchard

    Program: Theory & Practice in Teacher Education
    Bio: Cody Pritchard received a Masters degree from Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN and his Bacherlor's of Arts from North Central College just outside Chicago, IL. He is currently pursuing his PhD in Theory & Practice in Teacher Education at the University of Tennessee. Prior to pursuing a PhD, Cody taught math and science, worked as an instructional coach, and district-level curriculum director. He enjoys reading, rock climbing, and spending time with his partner and dog.

    Emily McDonald

    Program: Theory & Practice in Teacher Education
    Bio: Emily McDonald is currently a full-time high school mathematics teacher in Chattanooga, TN, and she is a part-time graduate student at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Emily's goal as a teacher is to support her students through researched-based innovative teaching practices and share these practices with fellow teachers at her school, in her district, and beyond. Emily's future goals during and after her Ph.D. program are to contribute to research and support educators. Her current research interests are educational technology in mathematics education, data science in mathematics education, and brain science around the learning of mathematics. However, she is open to learning about new fields, research, and contributions to STEM education.

    Hanhui Bao

    Program: Learning, Design, and Technology
    Bio: Hanhui is a proud alumni from Johns Hopkins University. She is an avid reader and enjoys exploring new things, but she is not nerdy and boring! She hopes to have a puppy or kitten once she settles down in a few years.

    Wei (Vino) Wang

    Program: Learning, Design, and Technology
    Bio: I’m Wang Wei（also call me Vino）, a first-year Ph.D. student in the LDT program. My research focuses on the integration of ICT technology and education, encompassing topics such as macro policies, communication channels, and factors influencing technology acceptance. Since the advent of ChatGPT, I’ve developed a keen interest in the integration of AI and education, exploring topics like AI’s role in dissemination, usage, and integration in educational settings.

    Research Assistant

    Rita Swartzentruber

    Bio: Rita Swartzentruber earned her Master's in Math Education from the University of Tennessee in May 2023 and her Bachelor's of Science in Mathematics from Linfield College in Oregon. When Rita is not working, she enjoys being outside in nature running, hiking, and mountain biking; spending time with her husband, Ryan, and dog, Collin; and coaching age group swimming.

    Kebba Leigh

    Bio: Kebba Nyama Leigh, a dedicated student at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is pursuing a major in Data Science. Born in Memphis, TN to immigrant parents from Gambia, Kebba has a passion for music, language learning, and entrepreneurship. When not immersed in academic pursuits, he enjoys playing the ukulele, learning about new cultures, and playing video games.