Brian Holzman

Our lab uses research to understand inequalities in educational opportunities and to evaluate policies and practices that can expand equity and access in the high school-to-college transition.

We always welcome motivated students to join our lab. Please email Dr. Holzman for details on current opportunities.

Current Members

Marissa Castillo, M.S.

Marissa is a first-generation college student from California and the proud daughter of immigrant parents. She is a dedicated Ph.D. student pursuing her studies in Educational Administration and Human Resource Development, focusing on Higher Education Administration at Texas A&M University. Her research is centered around the pivotal roles of Hispanic-Serving Institutions and undocumented students within the educational landscape. Marissa brings a wealth of academic achievement to her pursuits, holding a Master of Science in Educational Administration with an emphasis in Higher Education, earned from Texas A&M University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Minor in Sociology from the University of California, Merced. With a robust background in education, Marissa has accumulated significant professional experience spanning various domains. She has dedicated three years to college access advising, followed by five years of invaluable service in undergraduate admissions and recruitment. Her dedication to service is evident through her leadership roles as President of the Graduate Representative Advisory Board and the Graduate Student Advisory Council, as well as her involvement with the New Professional and Graduate Student Review Board for the Journal of Women and Gender in Higher Education.

Shuyu Wang, M.A.

Shuyu is a first-year Ph.D. student in the PK-12 Educational Leadership program at Texas A&M University. Her research pursuits are centered on K-12 educational administration and policy, focusing on parental engagement, immigrant students' education, and teacher preparation. Prior to joining Texas A&M University, Shuyu served as an educational administrator at a bilingual school in China. In this role, she dedicated herself to the diligent implementation of educational policies and cultivated a profound understanding of educational stakeholders. During her leisure time, Shuyu enjoys photography and traveling.

Jacqueline White, M.S.

Jacqueline is a first-year Ph.D. student in the Higher Education Administration program at Texas A&M University. She has a B.S. in Biomedical Science and M.S. in Higher Education Administration from Texas A&M University. Her research interests include Latina experiences in higher education, first-generation college students, rural and low-income student access, and university practices to promote student success and persistence. Jacqueline has held past positions on the A&M campus focused on program development, alumni relations, student leadership development, and student academic success. Some of her personal interests include spending time with her husband and children, reading, and visiting museums.

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