Faculty Spotlights

Dr. Ayse Torres is an Associate Professor of Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling at Florida Atlantic University. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Florida and a nationally Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). She has experience working in various roles in mental health and rehabilitation counseling within public settings. Her research focuses on workforce development, employment interventions, and vocational rehabilitation strategies to support individuals with disabilities.

Education:

• Ph.D., Counselor Education, Florida Atlantic University
• M.Ed., Counselor Education, Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, Florida Atlantic University
• B.S., Counseling Psychology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey

Titles:

• Associate Professor, Department of Counselor Education, specialization in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
• Principle Investigator AccessTECH

Research:

• Innovative Approaches to Employment and Vocational Rehabilitation for Individuals with Disabilities
• Advanced Technology Applications in Job Skills Training, including Augmented Reality and Virtual Interventions
• Enhancing Therapeutic Alliance and Client Engagement in Rehabilitation Counseling
• Community-Based Initiatives for Veteran Support and Mental Health

Recent Publications (Past Year):

• Gill, C., Emelianchik-Key, K., Torres, A. (2024). Appraisal, Assessment, and Evaluation: A practical guide for counselors. Springer Publishing, NY. DOI: 10.1891/9780826189134
• Torres, A., Kaya, C., Akinola, O., & Gonzalez, R. (2024). Investigating reliability, validity, and measurement invariance of the eight-item vocational rehabilitation engagement scale with a sample of multilingual clients. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 67(4), 302-313. http://doi.org/10.1177/00343552221147217
• Akinola, O., Torres, A. (2024). Exploring the role of therapeutic alliance and client functioning in vocational rehabilitation engagement among clients with mental disabilities. Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Mental Health. http://doi.org/10.1007/s40737-024-00395-2
• Torres, A., Freeman-Costin, K., Frankel, K. M., & Garbett, D. (2024). Community Engagement Methods Related to Veteran Studies: A Scoping Review. Journal of Community Engagement and Scholarship, 16(2), 1-19. http://doi.org/10.54656/jces.v16i2.504

Notable Awards (Last five Years):

Recent Projects:

• Torres, Ayse (Principal Investigator). ACCESS-Technology: Advancing Career Choices for Employment Success in Technology. U.S Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration. Funded. $9,961,460. October 2024-2029.
• Torres, Ayse (Principal Investigator). XR-ENABLE: eXtended Reality to Empower Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities for Employment. National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILLR). Field Initiated Program (FIP). Funded. $600,000. September 2024-2027.
• Torres, Ayse (Principal Investigator). Augmented Reality Enhanced Supported Employment for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research Switzer Research Fellowships Program. Funded. $70,000. September 2023.
• Torres, Ayse (Principal Investigator). Operation Red-White-Blue: Building PCOR Competencies of Veterans and Mental Health Providers. Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Eugene Washington PCORI Engagement Awards. Funded, $250,000. March 2021 – 2023.

EDUCATION:

• Ph.D., Special Education, Vanderbilt University; George Peabody College, Nashville, TN
• M.Ed., Special Education, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI
• B.Ed., Special Education, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI

TITLES:

Department Chair and Professor, Department of Special Education

IN MEMORIAM:

Michael P. Brady, Ph.D., served as chair of the Department of Special Education for 21 years. He was a son of the late M. Sgt. Donald E. Brady and Elizabeth D. Brady. Raised in New Jersey, Michael later lived in Hawaii, American Samoa, Tennessee, Texas, and Florida. He joined the faculty of Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in 2000. Brady’s scholarly record is long and prestigious. He published over 120 articles and made 160 professional presentations during his career. He exhibited rewarding grantsmanship, garnering over four million dollars to support teacher preparation and educational opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities. In 2016, Brady and others started the Academy for Community Inclusion (ACI), a college certificate program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He also worked extensively to promote graduate education in special education, with a special emphasis on doctoral education. During his career, he chaired and/or served on 49 dissertation committees (25 at FAU). Professor Brady was voted the University Scholar of the Year in 2018 at FAU and the Senior Scholar by the Eastern Educational Research Association.

Brady’s work was not confined to academics. He was an avid diver, widely known as a highly skilled scuba instructor, and certified by the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI). He also served as FAU’s scuba diving club advisor, and was recognized as Club Advisor of the Year in 2008. Most memorable is Brady’s strong advocacy for people with the most severe disabilities, his student-centered approach to any issue, and the fervor with which he approached mentoring many in his field. Mike is survived by his long-time partner Dawn Furlan, brother Donald E. Brady, Jr. (Laura Marshall) of Maryland, aunts, an uncle, cousins, a host of professional colleagues and friends. His absence will be mourned by his family, friends, and colleagues near and far.

In remembrance, you may donate to the Dr. Michael P. Brady Memorial Scholarship for Doctoral Education in Special Education, which will support the education of students who share Mike’s passion for the education and treatment of folks with disabilities across the lifespan. Learn more about the scholarship and how to donate here: Dr. Michael P. Brady Memorial Scholarship Fund | FAU Foundation Inc.

AWARDS & HONORS:

Senior Scholar Award, Eastern Educational Research Association, 2020

University Scholar of the Year Award, Florida Atlantic University, 2018

Club Advisor of the Year (Boca Raton Student Clubs), Student Organizational Council, Florida Atlantic University, 2008

Advisor of the Year, Student Organizational Council, Florida Atlantic University, 2002

Phi Delta Kappa Professor of the Year, Florida International University, 1996

College of Education Research Excellence Award, University of Houston, 1993

University Research Excellence Award, University of Houston, 1990

University Teaching Excellence Award, University of Houston, 1988

Alice H. Hayden Award. Selected by The Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps. (TASH), 1984

EDITORIAL BOARDS:

Education and Training in Autism & Developmental Disabilities (ETADD), 1984 – 2021

Teacher Education & Special Education (TESE), 1992-2001; 2003 – 2021

Focus on Autism & Other Developmental Disabilities (FADD), 2003 – 2021

Journal of the Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps (JASH), 1992-1996 DPH Journal, 1983-85

EDUCATION:

PhD, Audiology and Auditory Electrophysiology, The University of Memphis

MS, Audiology, Idaho State University

BSc, Audiology, Iran University of Medical Sciences

TITLES:

Professor, department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the College of Education, FAU | Ali Danesh, Ph.D.

Director of Audiology, Hearing, Tinnitus, Balance Research Laboratory

Affiliate faculty in Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine and Charles E. Schmidt College of Science at Florida Atlantic University

Affiliate faculty in the department of Otolaryngology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami

RESEARCH:

Emphasis on Tinnitus, Hyperacusis and auditory/vestibular disorders

NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Teaching future clinicians and scientists

Helping community in managing tinnitus, vertigo, and decreased sound tolerance disorders

Contributing to science

THOUGHTS TO SHARE:

My research activities have evolved significantly during the past several years. Throughout my tenure at FAU, I have been productive in many areas of research with emphasis on Tinnitus, Vertigo, Sound Sensitivity Disorders (such as hyperacusis and misophonia) and auditory behaviors and characteristics in Autism Spectrum Disorders. I have reached a level of global recognition in those fields where I receive continuous search for expert opinions from journals, grant foundations, post-doctoral evaluations, and scientific conventions. In the past five years, I have published 28 articles, many in high ranked journals, such as the Journal of the American Academy of Audiology, Ear & Hearing, and American Journal of Audiology. Additionally, I have presented more than 40 research and training presentations in state, national and international forums and conventions with 17 of them as an invited speaker. With the support from our college dean and my department chair, I currently have a research laboratory space dedicated to Hearing, Tinnitus, Balance Research. With the funding from my grants I have been able to establish a laboratory which is now being equipped with several research tools (http://eazu.bj7dian.com/education/academicdepartments/csd/htbrl/) that will attract interested students and potential post-doctoral candidates for studying such topics in my laboratory.

I have a collaborative nature when it comes to research and teaching. I have affiliate faculty appointments in many departments and colleges at FAU. These include college of Medicine, Department of Psychology, the FAU Neurology Residency program, the Center for Complex Systems and Brain Sciences (as a dissertation committee member for doctoral students), and the Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami. I am a faculty member for iBrain and iHealth at FAU. My international network of scientific collaboration is also quite extensive. For many years, I developed neural network models for tinnitus with my Japanese colleagues at the University of Tokushima. Additionally, my collaboration with researchers from the Surrey Hospital and Cambridge University in the UK has resulted in many publications in the areas of tinnitus and hyperacusis.

In general, I believe that I have been able to be an effective member of the FAU community. I am delighted to be selected as a featured person for this episode of faculty spotlight and I would like to express my gratitude to all of my colleagues and students at FAU.

PUBLICATIONS: (2018 - 2021)

1. Aazh H, Danesh AA, Moore BCJ (2021). Self-reported Tinnitus Severity Prior to and During the COVID-19 Lockdown in the UK. Journal of American Academy of Audiology. In Press.
2. Aazh H, Danesh AA (2021). ONLINE FEATURE | Trilogy of Papers: Audiologist-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Tinnitus and Hyperacusis. Audiology Today, March-April Online Issue, http://www.audiology.org/audiology-today-marchapril-2021/online-feature-trilogy-papers-audiologist-delivered-cognitive
3. Aazh, H. and A. Danesh (2021). "Internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Tinnitus: Insights from Health Care Professionals " The Hearing Journal 74(2): 20-22. http://journals.lww.com/thehearingjournal/Fulltext/2021/02000/Internet_based_Cognitive_Behavioral_Therapy_for.7.aspx
4. Aazh H, Danesh AA, Moore BCJ (2020). Internal Consistency and Convergent Validity of the Inventory of Hyperacusis Symptoms. Ear Hear. 2020 Nov 30. doi: 10.1097/AUD.0000000000000982. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33259445.http://journals.lww.com/ear- hearing/Abstract/9000/Internal_Consistency_and_Convergent_Validity_of.98580.aspx

5. Porcaro, C. Singer, C., Djokic, B., Danesh, A.A., Tappen, R. @ Engstrom, G. (2020). Perceived Voice Disorders in Older Adults and Impact on Social Interactions. Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups. http://doi.org/10.1044/2020_PERSP-20-00059
6. Aazh, H & Danesh, AA (2020). Tinnitus and Insomnia, The Hearing Journal: June 2020 - Volume 73 - Issue 6 - p 14,15. http://journals.lww.com/thehearingjournal/Fulltext/2020/06000/Tinnitus_and_Insomnia__Management_via.5.aspx
7. Danesh, AA & Aazh, H (2020). Misophonia: A Neurologic, Psychologic, and Audiologic Complex. The Hearing Journal. Vol 73, pp20-23. http://journals.lww.com/thehearingjournal/Fulltext/2020/03000/Misophonia__A_Neurologic,_Psychologic,_and.5.aspx
8. Aazh, H., Landgrebe, M., Danesh, AA & Moore, BCJ. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Alleviating the Distress Caused by Tinnitus, Hyperacusis and Misophonia: Current Perspectives. Psychol Res Behav Manag. 2019 Oct 23;12:991-1002. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31749641
9. Danesh, AA (2019). Incorporating Tinnitus Management Services into your Audiology Practice. The Hearing Journal. Vol 72, pp22-23. http://journals.lww.com/thehearingjournal/Fulltext/2019/11000/Incorporating_Tinnitus_Management_Services_into.8.aspx
10. Aazh H, Landgrebe M, Danesh AA. Parental Mental Illness in Childhood as a Risk Factor for Suicidal and Self-Harm Ideations in Adults Seeking Help for Tinnitus and/or Hyperacusis. Am J Audiol. 2019 Sep 13;28(3):527-533. doi: 10.1044/2019_AJA-18-0059. Epub 2019 Jun 11. PMID: 31184510. http://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31184510/
11. Porcaro, C.K., Alavi, E., Gollery, T., & Danesh,A. (2019).   Misophonia: Awareness and Responsiveness Among Academics. Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, 108-118, 32 (2). http://www.ahead.org/professional-resources/publications/jped
12. Aazh, H., Langguth, B. & Danesh, AA (2018). Parental separation and parental mental health in childhood and tinnitus and hyperacusis disability in adulthood: a retrospective exploratory analysis. Int J of Aud. 2018 Oct 1:1-6. doi: 10.1080/14992027.2018.1514470. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30272507
13. Aazh, H., Danesh, AA & Moore, BCJ (2018). Parental mental health in childhood as a risk factor for anxiety and depression among people seeking help for tinnitus and hyperacusis. J of Am Acad Aud. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30446035
14. Aazh H, Knipper M, Danesh AA, Cavanna AE, Andersson L, Paulin J, Schecklmann M, Heinonen-Guzejev M, & Moore BCJ (2018). Insights from the Third International Conference on Hyperacusis: Causes, Evaluation, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Noise Health. 2018 Jul-Aug ;20(95):162-170. http://www.noiseandhealth.org/article.asp?issn=1463-1741;year=2018;volume=20;issue=95;spage=162;epage=170;aulast=Aazh;type=0
15. Ocak, M, Eshraghi, R, Danesh, AA, Mittal, R & Eshraghi E (2018). Central Auditory Processing Disorders in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Balkan Medical Journal, June 2018. http://www.researchgate.net/publication/326028400_Central_Auditory_Processing_Disorders_in_Individuals_with_Autism_Spectrum_Disorders?ev=project
16. Danesh, AA, Shahnaz, N, & Hall, JW (2018). The Audiology of Otosclerosis. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2018 Apr; 51(2):327-342. http://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29397946-the-audiology-of-otosclerosis/?from_term=danesh+tinnitus&from_pos=1 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29397946

EDUCATION:

Doctor of Philosophy, University of Arizona
Major: Special Education and Rehabilitation

Master of Arts, New Mexico Highlands University
Major: Special Education

Master of Science, University of Madras, India
Major: Geography

Bachelor of Arts, University of Madras, India
Major: Geography

TITLES:

Professor of Exceptional Student Education

FAU Holmes Scholars Program Coordinator

Senior Fellow and Professor National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.

RESEARCH:

My area of research includes applied behavior analysis, classroom management, and behavior intervention strategies, as well as students with autism, special needs students, inclusive education and transition from school to adult life for individuals with disabilities.

NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

1. Assisted the Dean to establish Holmes Scholars Program in the College of Education at FAU.
2. Mentored Holmes Scholars from four doctoral granting departments in the COE to present papers at AACTE Conferences, accompanied them to Washington D.C. for Summer Policy Institute, and helped them advocate for various educational related issues for FAU and the state of Florida with elected Representatives and Senators in Capital Hill.
3. Coordinated College of Education work with St. Lucie County School District by recruiting and guiding 17 teachers from India in math, science, and special education to reduce critical teacher shortage for the school district.
4. Chaired A.D. Henderson University School Board Education Committee. I meticulously worked with the Dean and the Principal to establish a special education program and wrote the special education policy manual for the school.
5. President - College of Education Faculty Assembly

THOUGHTS TO SHARE:

I worship my work. Mentoring Holmes Scholars, meeting with them once a month, and noticing their growth in research productivity is awesome to share with other doctoral students in the COE. Two years ago, at the AACTE Conference in Baltimore, one of our Holmes Scholars came to me and said it was her first conference presentation. She was so excited for the opportunity that she thanked the Holmes Program with tears. My advice and guidance to students of color is to stay in school, stay focused, and get as much education as possible. If I can get a Ph.D. with my poor rural beginning, anybody can get an education and make it in life. With self-discipline, dedication and perseverance one can be whatever that person wishes to be.

PUBLICATIONS:

Books

Richards, S., Taylor, R., Ramasamy, R. (2014) Single subject research: Applications in educational and clinical settings (2nd ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.

Richards, S., Taylor, R., Ramasamy, R., & Richards, R. (1999). Single subject research: Applications in educational and clinical settings. San Diego: Singular Publications.

Selected Refereed Publications

Brown, V., & Ramasamy, R. (2017). Changing faculty perspective of distance learning through support. Journal of eLearning. 14 (3), 29-35.

Finn, L., Ramasamy, R., Dukes, C., & Scott, J. (2015). Using WatchMinder to increase the on-task behavior of students with autism spectrum disorder, Journal of Autism and Developmental Disabilities, 45, 1408-1418.

Bennett, K. D., Ramasamy, R., & Honsberger, T. (2013). Further Examination of Covert Audio Coaching on Improving Employment Skills among Secondary Students with Autism. Journal of Behavioral Education. DOI: 10. 1007/s10864-013-9168-2

Bennett, K. D., Ramasamy, R., & Honsberger, T. (2013). The effects of covert audio coaching on teaching clerical skills to adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. DOI: 10.1007/s10803-012-1597-6

Ramasamy, R. (1996). Post-high school employment: A follow-up of Apache Native American Youth. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 29(2), 174-179.

Ramasamy, R., & Taylor, R. (1996). Transition assessment: A critical process for students with disabilities. Diagnostique, 21(4), 59-62

Ramasamy, R. (1996). Cultural implications on Navajo students' learning styles and effective teaching methods. The Journal of Educational Issues of Language Minority Students, 17, 139-151.

Ramasamy, R., Taylor, R. L., & Ziegler, E. W. (1996). Eliminating inappropriate classroom behavior using a DRO schedule: A preliminary study. Psychological Reports, 78, 753-754.

Ramasamy, R. (1995). Effectiveness of high school curricula for transitioning Apache special and general education students. Career Development for Exceptional Individuals. 18(1), 51-58.

Holmes Program Publications

McEwan, D., Demezier., Dean, S., Dowdie. D., & Ramasamy, R. (2019). The Story of BIG Data with All the Small Details. AACTE, Ed Prep Matter. Key news and insights on educator preparation.

Ramasamy, R., & McEwan, D. (2018). Dissertation workshop: Theoretical Framework an Essential Steering Wheel. AACTE, Ed Prep Matter. Key news and insights on educator preparation.

Manuscripts Submitted for Publication

Ramasamy, R., & McCormick. J. (submitted) Effective Teacher Characteristics: Exploring a Decade of Teachers’ Experiences in the Classroom. Journal of Teacher Education.

Honsberger, C., Ramasamy, R., Brady, M., Frain, M. (submitted). Increasing Language Use in Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

McCormick, J., Ramasamy, R., & Kearney, K. (submitted). Understanding Autism and Collaboration Skills: Evaluation of Asynchronous Presentations for Pre-service Teachers. Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship.

Collazo, S., Lee, Y., & Ramasamy, R. (submitted). An Exploratory Qualitative Study of Infant and Toddler Teachers’ Knowledge and Perception on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) Education. Research in Early Childhood Education.

EDUCATION:

Doctor of Education, Florida Atlantic University, 2009
Major: Curriculum and Instruction
Master of Education, University of Florida, 2004
Major: Elementary Education
Bachelor of Education, University of Florida, 2003
Major Elementary Education

TITLES:

Assistant Professor, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry

RESEARCH:

Michelle Vaughan, Ed.D. is an assistant professor at Florida Atlantic University. She teaches courses in curriculum and instruction, action research, and school reform. She received her Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry at Florida Atlantic University.

As a scholar, I define action research as a vehicle for change, a way to arm practitioners with data and give them the voice they need to engage in critical conversations with decision-makers. My work uses action research to focus on the intersection of teaching and researching, continually asking the question, ‘How do I improve my practice?’ As an action researcher, my practice and scholarship are inexplicitly linked to bolster my student’s experience in my courses as well as contribute pedagogical knowledge to the field of curriculum and instruction.

NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Excellence in eLearning Distinguished Achievement Award (2019), awarded by the Center for eLearning at Florida Atlantic University.

Innovation in Higher Education Award (2017), awarded by Florida Distance Learning Association.

Excellence in eLearning Faculty Award (2016), awarded by the Center for eLearning at Florida Atlantic University.

THOUGHTS TO SHARE:

I have always been a teacher first. I believe it is necessary to have a deep understanding of your pedagogy, to comprehend the guiding values of your teaching thoroughly and how they manifest in relationships with students and the curriculum. When your values align with your instruction, students inevitably reap the rewards of excellent teaching. My work also argues that educational research should be conducted by and with teachers to capture the perspectives that are often missing in the research informing educational policy

PUBLICATIONS:

1.Vaughan, M. (2019). Learning who I am: The exploration of my guiding values through a living theory methodology. Educational Journal of Living Theories, 12(1), 62-80.

2. Vaughan, M., Cavallaro, C., Baker, J., Celesti, C., Clevenger, C., Darling, H., Kasten, R., Laing, M., Marbach, R., Timar, A., & Wilder, K. (2019). Positioning teachers as researchers: Lessons in empowerment, change, and growth. Florida Educational Research Association Journal.

3. Vaughan. M., Boerum, C., & Whitehead, L. (2019). Action research in doctoral coursework: Perceptions of independent research experiences. International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning , 13(1), 1-8.

4. Uribe, S. & Vaughan, M. (2017). Facilitating student learning in distance education: A  case study on the implementation of a multi-faceted feedback system. Distance Education, 38(3), 288-301. doi: 10.1080/01587919.2017.1369005 

5. Vaughan, M. & Uribe, S. (2017). Giving them what they want: Online feedback that works. College Teaching, 66(1). doi:10.1080/87567555.2017.1336611.

6. Dassa, L. & Vaughan, M. (2017). #classagain? How education faculty engage the disengaged college student. The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas, 91(1), 42-45. doi:10.1080/00098655.2017.1342434

7. Vaughan, M., Baxley, T., & Kervin, C. (2017). Connecting the dots: A scaffolded model for undergraduate research. National Forum of Teacher Education Journal, 26(3), 1-12.

8. Vaughan, M. & Henderson, A. (2016). Exceptional educators: A collaborative training partnership for the inclusion of students with Down Syndrome. Support for Learning, 31(1), 46-58. doi: 10.1111/1467-9604.12113

9. Vaughan, M. & Beers, C. (2016). Using an exploratory professional development initiative to introduce iPads in the early childhood education classroom. Early Childhood Education Journal, 45(3), 321-331. doi: 10.1007/s10643-016-0772-3

10. Vaughan, M. & Burnaford, G. (2015). Action research in graduate teacher education: A review of the literature 2000-2015. Educational Action Research, 24(2), 280-299. doi:10.1080/09650792.2015.1062408

11. Vaughan, M., Beers, C. & Burnaford, G. (2015). The Impact of iPads on teacher educator practice: A collaborative professional development initiative. International Journal of Technology in Teaching and Learning, 11(1), 21-34.

12. Vaughan, M. (2014). Flipping the learning: An investigation into the use of the flipped classroom model in an introductory teaching course. Education Research and Perspectives, 41(1), 25-41.

EDUCATION:

Ph.D. in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
M.Ed. in Special Education from Central Oklahoma University
B.S. in Journalism from University of Kansas
B.A. in Psychology from University of Kansas

TITLES:

Associate Professor and the department of Curriculum, Culture and Educational Inquiry Coordinator of Early Childhood Programs

RESEARCH:

The complex associations among families and wider social systems that impact children’s health, development, and education.
Professional development of educators in early childhood and special education.
Early childhood environmental education, investigating strategies and policies that impact the well-being of all.

NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Nietzel Distinguished Faculty Award from the University of Kentucky. Obligations include serving on dissertation committees and providing public lectures in the Spring 2019 semester. He plans to deliver lectures relating to rethinking early childhood education by integrating more place-based and experiential learning.
Outstanding Service to Environmental Education Award from the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE). The award is given to individuals who exemplify national leadership in the field of environmental education (EE).

PUBLICATIONS:

2019 – International Journal of Early Childhood Environmental Education, Volume 6, No. 2: Addressing Policy, Practice, and Research That Matters
2018 – Use of Children’s Literature to Support an Emerging Curriculum Model of Education for Sustainable Development for Young Learners
2015 – Early Childhood Environmental Education Rating Scale

EDUCATION:

Ed.D., Higher Education Administration, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Dissertation: “The Association between Advanced Degrees in Higher Education and the Career Paths of the Male and Female Graduates from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign from 1980-1993.”
M.S., Athletic Administration, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
B.S., summa cum laude, Physical Education Teaching (K-12), Illinois State University, Normal

TITLES:

Associate Professor & Coordinator, Higher Education Leadership Master’s Degree Program, Department of Educational Leadership & Research Methodology, Florida Atlantic University
Founder, Office of Appreciative Education, Department of Educational Leadership & Research Methodology, Florida Atlantic University

RESEARCH:

Appreciative Advising, Appreciative Education, and Appreciative Administration

NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL AWARDS

Virginia N. Gordon Award for Excellence in the Field of Advising, NACADA: The Global Community for Advising – given to the person who “has made a significant national and/or international impact on the profession of academic advising through research, publications, and/or presentations at the national and/or international level, leadership in the field of advising, and commitment to the importance of academic advising at the national and/or international level” - Oct 2017

National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) Outstanding Advising Administrator Award – 2005

National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) Graduate Scholarship Awardee – 1994

FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY

FAU Faculty Partner of the Year to the Division of Student Affairs Award – April 2017

FAU Chi Sigma Alpha Honor Society Advisor of the Year Award – April 2016

FAU Graduate Academic Advisor of the Year by the FAU Graduate and Professional Student Association – Oct 2015

COLLEGE:

College of Education

TITLES:

Professor and coordinator for Effective Teaching Practices.

RESEARCH:

Dr. Dassa continues to further her research on quality teacher prep programs and teacher retention.

NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Dr. Dassa has published several articles and studies, and developed as well as runs the Honors in the Elementary Education major. She has built partnerships with both Broward and Palm Beach County school principals and helped the COE department of Teaching and Learning coordinate the very important practicum courses. Dr. Dassa is the author of the second edition book, So Now What? New Elementary Teacher Survival Guide.