Student Difference Makers
Research Support Program
At San Diego State University’s College of Education (COE), we are committed to empowering the next generation of educators, counselors, and leaders through meaningful, community-focused impact. Our Student Difference Makers Research Support Program provides crucial funding to students tackling real-world challenges through innovative research.
Empowering Student Research
Launched with support from generous donors during SDSU’s Day of Giving, this program offers financial assistance to COE students undertaking research projects with significant societal implications. This support enables students to delve into critical issues, present at conferences, and collaborate with professionals in their fields.
Spotlight: Impactful Student Projects
Our Student Difference Makers are leading powerful research across a range of topics:
Past Recipients
Lucyann Atkins
Program: M.S. in Early Childhood and Family Clinical Counseling
Project Title: “Executive Functioning in Young Children in Foster Care: The Influence of Race/Ethnicity, Income, and Parenting”
Research Mentor: Assistant Professor Teresa Lind
Nikki Lane
Program: M.S. in Early Childhood and Family Clinical Counseling
Project Title: “Impact of Early Childhood Sleep Difficulties on Mental Health Symptoms Among Preschool-Aged Children in Foster Care”
Research Mentor: Assistant Professor Teresa Lind
Ben Mendoza
Program: M.A. in Postsecondary Educational Leadership and Student Affairs (PELSA)
Project Title: “Who is invited to the party? The inequitable awarding of academic fellowships”
Research Mentor: Associate Professor Eric Felix
Griselda Paredes-Chavez
Program: Joint Ph.D. Program in Education with Claremont Graduate University
Project Title: “The Transformational Impact of Students at Hispanic Serving Institutions”
Research Mentor: Professor Felisha Herrera Villarreal
Stephen Phan
Program: Ed.D. Program in Educational Leadership (PK-12, Science and Math Focus)
Project Title: “Launching Challenging Math Tasks in Elementary”
Research Mentor: Associate Professor Nicholas Johnson
Madison Salmina
Program: Ed.S. in School Psychology
Project Title: “Family Advocacy for Children with ASD: Through a Cultural Lens”
Research Mentor: Professor Samuel Song
Stephanie Carolina Vásquez
Program: Joint Ph.D. Program in Education with Claremont Graduate University
Project Title: “Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders: Unveiling the Pathways from Latina Community College Students to Women in Leadership Positions”
Research Mentor: Associate Professor Eric Felix
