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

John Ajamobe, M.Ed.

John is a third-year Ph.D. student in the Curriculum and Instruction Program of the Department of Teaching, Learning and Culture at Texas A&M University, with an emphasis on Teaching and Teacher Education. His research interests span the economics of education, school climate, educational policy and planning, urban education, and social justice in education. Specifically, his research focuses on (1) school safety and school gun violence prevention; (2) teachers’ mental health, well-being, and psychological safety; and (3) educational inequalities, finance, and school funding. He is a fellow at the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL) and an Academy for Future Faculty associate at Texas A&M University. Currently, he serves as a graduate research assistant in the Department of Teaching, Learning and Culture. Prior to joining Texas A&M University, John served as a deputy registrar and a high school educator at a British school in Nigeria, and he has an interdisciplinary background in economics and educational leadership.

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 third-year Ph.D. student in the Educational Leadership & Policy 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 third-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.

Diana Wood, M.Ed.

Diana is a third-year doctoral student in the Educational Leadership & Policy program at Texas A&M University. Her research explores equitable access to advanced academics and postsecondary readiness opportunities for students in rural communities. Diana holds a B.S in Plant Science and an M.Ed. in Teaching and Teacher Education from the University of Arizona. She currently serves as the Program Specialist for the Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology at Texas A&M University, where she supports students in achieving their academic and professional goals. A 20-year veteran of public education, Diana previously taught middle school and high school science in Arizona, New York, and Texas, and prior to her position at Texas A&M, she served as the Coordinator of Advanced Academics and CTE at Hempstead ISD, leading initiatives that expanded dual credit participation and career pathways.

Affiliates