Student Spotlight
Our Student Spotlight celebrates the dedication and impact of the future educators who make our School of Education community so vibrant. Each profile highlights a student’s unique journey, achievements, and commitment to making a difference in the lives of learners. From innovative classroom experiences to meaningful community engagement, these stories showcase how our students are growing as leaders, scholars, and advocates for education. We invite you to explore their experiences and be inspired by the voices shaping the future of teaching and learning.
School of Education student received the Susan C. Thrasher Undergraduate Research Fund award
Journey Mowery, a first-generation student from Fairbury, Illinois, has received a Susan C. Thrasher Undergraduate Research Fund award while pursuing a B.S. in Elementary Education with a minor in Child and Family Services at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where she is set to graduate in 2027.
Recipients of the Susan C. Thrasher Undergraduate Research Fund collaborate with a faculty mentor on a research project, then submit a report and present their work at a research forum. Journey’s project examines how hands-on tools—like 3D-printed manipulatives and visual supports—can help K–8 students better understand abstract math concepts, making learning more engaging and focused on deep understanding rather than memorization.
Journey’s experiences working with children—through lifeguarding, coaching swim team, and teaching swim lessons—have shaped her passion for education and career goals. She aims to become an elementary school teacher who fosters a supportive and engaging classroom, with a long-term goal of working as a hospital teacher to help children continue their education during medical challenges.
Dr. Jie Shi (Jessica) Liew, Statistics Lecturer
Dr. Jie Shi (Jessica) Liew, a graduate of the School of Education’s Ph.D. in Education program and former advisee of Dr. Cheng-Yao Lin, is currently a Statistics Lecturer in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at James Madison University (JMU). In her role, she teaches undergraduate courses such as statistical literacy and applied regression, emphasizing conceptual understanding and real-world data interpretation. Dr. Liew is committed to fostering an engaging learning environment through active learning strategies, practical examples, and clear, accessible instruction that supports students from diverse academic backgrounds. Her accomplishments reflect the strength of our Ph.D. program and its success in preparing graduates for impactful careers in mathematics education.School of Education Doctoral Student Publishes Book Review in The History Teacher
The School of Education is pleased to celebrate the scholarly achievement of Peter K. Kontoh, Ph.D. student in Education (Curriculum & Instruction), whose book review has been published in the February 2026 issue of The History Teacher.
Kontoh’s review examines Oral History: A Very Short Introduction by Douglas A. Boyd, offering thoughtful analysis and highlighting the text’s contributions to the study and practice of oral history. His work appears in a nationally respected journal dedicated to advancing the teaching and scholarship of history.
This accomplishment reflects Kontoh’s commitment to rigorous scholarship and meaningful engagement with the broader academic community. The School of Education congratulates him on this significant milestone and looks forward to his continued contributions to the field.
The review is available online at: https://www.societyforhistoryeducation.org/pdfs/F26_Reviews.pdf.
Lamarana Jallow Presents Research on Artificial Intelligence and Workforce Development at International Conference
Lamarana Jallow, Ph.D. Candidate in Educational Administration & Higher Education, presented both a full paper and a poster with his coauthors at the 33rd International Research Conference of the Academy of Human Resource Development (AHRD) in Irving, Texas.
His full paper, “Artificial Intelligence Meets Employee Development: A Bibliometric Analysis of Research Trends,” examined the current landscape of research at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and employee development. Through a comprehensive bibliometric analysis, the study explored how the Human Resource Development (HRD) field is integrating AI into workforce development practices. The findings contribute important insight into how AI is shaping employee learning and development in an increasingly AI-augmented workplace.
In addition, Jallow presented a poster titled “Human–AI Interaction at the Workplace: A Systematic Review and Multilevel Framework for Research and Practice.” This research proposed a multilevel framework—spanning micro, meso, and macro perspectives—to guide the study and practice of Human–AI interaction in organizational settings. By offering an integrated framework, the work addresses the fragmented nature of prior research and provides direction for future scholarship and practice.
Jallow extends his sincere appreciation to Dr. Ahmed Al-Asfour for the opportunity to collaborate with Dr. Raj Sankaranarayanan and Mrs. Sündüz Yilmaz. This partnership further led to a second collaboration with Sündüz Yilmaz and Salma Akther. He also thanks the SIU School of Education for supporting his conference participation through the KEIM Travel Award and for its continued support throughout his doctoral journey. Special recognition is given to his Dissertation Chair and Faculty Advisor, Dr. Saran Donahoo, for her ongoing guidance and mentorship.
