College of Education and Human Development

Outstanding Students Named 2015 Presidential and Dean's Scholars

Four outstanding students have been named Presidential or Dean’s Scholars by the College of Education and Human Development at George Mason University.

The awardees were selected from a total of 41 new doctoral students who are entering the PhD in Education program in Fall 2015.

 

Presidential Scholar

The Presidential Scholars program is a highly competitive program from the Office of the Provost that supports outstanding, first-time PhD students in their studies. The program provides full-time doctoral students with a research assistantship that includes a stipend, tuition waver, and university-paid health insurance for up to three years.

CEHD is delighted to announce our newest Presidential Scholar:

• Sara Birkhead
  Sara is a new doctoral student pursuing a PhD with a specialization in Mathematics Education Leadership. She is a mathematics teacher and collaborative learning team leader at Langston Hughes Middle School in Reston, Virginia. Prior to joining Fairfax County Public Schools, she was a middle school teacher in South Louisiana, starting out as a Teach For America corp member. Sara has a master's degree in curriculum and instruction from George Mason University, with a focus on gifted education. She also has a bachelor's degree in anthropology from Mason and a bachelor's degree in theatre and speech from the College of William and Mary.

   

Dean's Scholars

The Dean's Scholars program provides awards to outstanding applicants to the PhD in Education program. The highly competitive program from the College of Education and Human Development supports full-time doctoral students with a research assistantship that includes a stipend, tuition waver, and university-paid health insurance for up to four years.

CEHD is pleased to announce three new Dean's Scholars:

• Terrie Galanti
  Terrie is a new doctoral student pursuing a PhD with a specialization in Mathematics Education Leadership. She is a mathematics teacher at South Lakes High School in Reston, Virginia, and has an academic research interest in the role of conversations and collaboration in building mathematical reasoning. She received a master's degree in electrical engineering from Stanford University and graduated first in her class from the U.S. Air Force Academy.
  
  

• Samantha Ives
  Samantha is a new doctoral student pursuing a PhD with a specialization in Educational Psychology. Currently, she is a seventh grade language arts teacher and team leader at George Washington Middle School in Alexandria, Virginia. She has a bachelor's degree in English and a master's degree in teaching from St. Mary's College of Maryland.
  
  

• Matthew Prebble
  Matthew is a new doctoral student pursuing a PhD with a specialization in Exercise, Fitness, and Health Promotion. He is currently a research scientist with the CNA Corporation. In addition to a master's degree in exercise, fitness, and health promotion from George Mason University, Matthew has a master's of science in industrial and systems engineering from the University of Florida and a master's of engineering in mechanical and aerospace engineering from the University of Virginia. He received a bachelor's degree in mathematical sciences from Virginia Commonwealth University where he was also a member of the track and field team.  

 

 

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About CEHD

George Mason University's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) includes two schools: the Graduate School of Education, one of the most comprehensive education schools in Virginia, and the School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism. CEHD offers a full range of courses, certificates, and degree programs on campus, online, and on site to more than 4,000 students each year. CEHD is fully accredited by NCATE, and all licensure programs are approved by the Virginia Department of Education. George Mason University, located just outside of Washington, DC, is Virginia's largest public research university.

For additional information:

• CEHD Communications: cehdnews@gmu.edu
• PhD in Education program: cehd.gmu.edu/phd

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