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:
How to Apply
We are not currently accepting applications. Please check back in September 2026.
Past Recipients
Mia Herrerias
Program: M.S. in Child Development
Project Title: “The Whole-Brain Child” Parent Workshop
Research Mentor: Sascha Longstreth, associate professor of child and family development
Elizabeth Nguyen
Program: Joint Ph.D. Program in Education with Claremont Graduate University
Project Title: “Sense of Belonging of STEM Students in Introductory STEM Courses at Community Colleges”
Research Mentor: Felisha Herrera Villarreal, professor of postsecondary education
Project PARTNERS Scholars
(Maria Martin, Miguel Moreno, Cinthia Nuñez, Eboni Price and James Vieira)
Program: Ed.D. in PK-12 Educational Leadership (Special Education)
Project Title: “Examining Factors Associated with Special Education Teacher Burnout”
Research Mentor: Lauren Collins, associate professor of special education
Alanis Vargas Trinidad
Program: M.A. in Teaching (Elementary Education)
Project Title: “Teacher’s Practices of Funds of Knowledge: Supporting Elementary Students in a Rural Borderland Community”
Research Mentor: Weichen Zhao, assistant professor of math education, SDSU Imperial Valley
Leslie Zecaida
Program: Ed.S. in School Psychology
Project Title: “Is it Serving: Rethinking School Psychology Programs”
Research Mentor: Jeffrey Brown, associate professor of school psychology
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
