Students' accomplishments recognized at spring awards reception
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In May, the School of Education recognized four individuals — Class of 2022 doctoral program graduates Sirui Wan, Juan Gaytan and Khamia Powell, plus undergraduate Fatima Guerra Gutierrez — at the annual spring reception honoring the winners of the Michael E. Martinez Prize for Outstanding Research and Service and the Keith Curry Awards.
Wan received the Michael E. Martinez Prize for Outstanding Research and Service. In attendance were the late Dr. Martinez's wife, Stephanie, and his daughter Amy. "As a scholar, Professor Martinez is remembered for his significant contributions to our understandings of cognitive processes and the malleability of intelligence, and how these understandings could be applied to student learning," presenter and School of Education dean Frances Contreras said. "He is also remembered for the kindness and collegiality that he embodied. In his honor, this award is given to a doctoral student who demonstrates superior scholarship, intellectual curiosity, and high levels of professionalism, service and collaboration with fellow students and/or faculty. |
From left: Stephanie Martinez, Sirui Wan, and Amy Lajiness.
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"As a colleague, Sirui has been a great mentor and role model to junior graduate students, post-bacc students and undergraduates in at least three different labs, creating a positive and collaborative atmosphere with our School. Known for his listening skills, patience, and helpful advice, he was formally recognized by his peers as a recipient of the UCI Cascade Mentoring Fellowship. We are excited to see Sirui’s research continue and we hope his future colleagues know how lucky they are to have him as part of the team, as we do."
Remarking on Curry, Contreras said, "Dr. Keith Curry, President and CEO of Compton Community College District and School of Education Alumnus, has established awards to honor an undergraduate and doctoral student who demonstrate significant growth in academic achievement and unusual perseverance — qualities that Dr. Curry believes characterized his journey toward his doctorate."
Guerra, recipient of the Keith Curry Undergraduate Award, is committed to advancing her Coachella Valley community and bringing awareness to marginalized groups. The Spanish and Education Sciences major plans to become a bilingual teacher in her hometown.
"Fatima's goal is to be a culturally competent educator supporting students in dual immersion programs," Contreras said. "She is passionate about returning to the Coachella Valley to not only support students, but advocate for better health and living conditions for all residents. Even while Fatima is studying miles away at UCI, she stays up to date on current issues and provides resources for her family and neighbors."
Remarking on Curry, Contreras said, "Dr. Keith Curry, President and CEO of Compton Community College District and School of Education Alumnus, has established awards to honor an undergraduate and doctoral student who demonstrate significant growth in academic achievement and unusual perseverance — qualities that Dr. Curry believes characterized his journey toward his doctorate."
Guerra, recipient of the Keith Curry Undergraduate Award, is committed to advancing her Coachella Valley community and bringing awareness to marginalized groups. The Spanish and Education Sciences major plans to become a bilingual teacher in her hometown.
"Fatima's goal is to be a culturally competent educator supporting students in dual immersion programs," Contreras said. "She is passionate about returning to the Coachella Valley to not only support students, but advocate for better health and living conditions for all residents. Even while Fatima is studying miles away at UCI, she stays up to date on current issues and provides resources for her family and neighbors."
From left: Keith Curry, Khamia Powell, Fatima Guerra Gutierrez, and
Dean Frances Contreras |
Since high school, Keith Curry Doctoral Award recipient Gaytan has been actively working with a community-based program designed to support Latinx male youth attain post-secondary degrees. Since his participation, the non-profit has expanded to included career specific programs, one of which is an academy for Latinx males interested in the teaching profession. In this space, he has been integral in designing the curriculum and running the academy. His community service has impacted and informed his scholarly interest and research which investigates the Latinx male teacher pipeline.
Contreras said, "In addition to this work, Juan continued to extend his support within the School of Education, via his work and leadership with the School of Education's DECADE (Diverse Educational Community and Doctoral Experience) chapter, to better establish spaces where voices of marginalization can be heard, valued, and supported." |
Powell received the Keith Curry Award Honorable Mention. Developing her skill and pedagogy as an educator for ten years in Title I schools, her research agenda has centered around supporting underserved areas/communities.
"As the demographics of U.S. public-school systems are becoming more diverse, teachers must be prepared to take an asset-based approach that acknowledges, responds to, and celebrates a students’ culture to design content, foster environments, and create opportunities that are equitable for a multicultural demographic," Contreras said.
"As the demographics of U.S. public-school systems are becoming more diverse, teachers must be prepared to take an asset-based approach that acknowledges, responds to, and celebrates a students’ culture to design content, foster environments, and create opportunities that are equitable for a multicultural demographic," Contreras said.
The Michael E. Martinez Memorial Prize for Outstanding Doctoral Research in Education is awarded to doctoral students who demonstrate superior scholarship, intellectual curiosity, and high levels of professionalism, service, and collaboration with fellow students.
The Keith Curry Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarship Awards are awarded to School of Education students who have demonstrated significant growth in academic achievement and unusual perseverance.
