CCRC Celebrates Four Graduating Staff Members

Each commencement season gives us at CCRC a chance to recognize the accomplishments of graduating staff members. This year, we are pleased to celebrate four researchers who have earned their advanced degrees: Jenivee Gastelum, Joe Hille, Farzana Matin, and Hanna Nichols. Over the years, these student researchers lent their talents to several projects and provided integral support to CCRC’s research teams. Though we are sad to say farewell to our graduates, we are grateful for all their hard work and excited to see how they will apply their skills and passions to the worlds of education, research, policy, and beyond.

Jenivee Gastelum earned a master’s in sociology and education in December 2023. Gastelum joined the team in 2022 after a professor at UCLA who taught a course on community colleges encouraged her to apply for a research position. At CCRC, Gastelum contributed to the Postsecondary Teaching with Technology Collaborative, a project focused on identifying strategies to help instructors and students adapt to online teaching and learning, particularly in STEM courses. She also worked on a project exploring community college finances.

Jenivee Gastelum on graduation day

“I think what stands out most about my experience at Teachers College and CCRC is how I've grown as an individual and a learner,” Gastelum said. “The small community I found at the college really helped me narrow down what I’m most passionate about and how I want to make an impact in higher education. And CCRC is special to me because of the opportunities my projects gave me, even though I came in with no previous research experience.”

A former transfer student herself, Gastelum hopes to find a student-facing position in southern California after graduation. She eventually plans to earn a PhD in higher education and continue researching community colleges and the transfer experience.

Joe Hille earned his master’s in art and art education in May.

“I was inspired to enroll in this program after working as an assistant teacher in a 4th-grade classroom following the COVID shutdown,” Hille explained. “I saw the potential for artistic pedagogy and practice to help struggling students engage in the classroom on their own terms and feel accomplished, despite the grading system which often fails them.”

Hille with his partner Risa, who graduated from NYU this spring

At CCRC, Hille contributed to a project examining the costs and benefits of the federal work-study program by interviewing students, coding various data sets, and assisting with survey design. In addition to his work at CCRC, Hille taught a creative technologies class at Teachers College Community School (TCCS). He explained that his real-world experiences at CCRC and TCCS elevated his thesis work and motivated him as a future educator. His thesis, titled “Animating Critically,” focused on how 4th-grade students express critical thinking through the multiple modes of communication afforded by the medium of animation.

Hille is relocating to Seattle with his partner to continue his career as an educator.

Farzana Matin graduated with her Master of Education in clinical psychology in May. Matin started at CCRC in 2021 as a summer research intern assisting with a project on informed self-placement. Following her internship, she was offered a research position and contributed to projects on the AACC guided pathways initiative, guided pathways in STEM, and dual enrollment equity pathways.

Matin holding flowers on graduation day

“CCRC holds a special place in my heart as the first workplace where I truly found my community,” Matin said. “The mentors, particularly Dr. Kopko, Dr. Lahr, and Dr. Fay, have played instrumental roles in shaping my professional journey. My colleagues at CCRC have provided me with a sense of belonging and camaraderie, fostering a collaborative environment where I've been able to grow and thrive.”

Looking forward, Matin hopes to center underrepresented communities and communities of color in her work as a sociotherapist or mental health advocate at a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting victims of sexual assault. Matin is also keen to continue research along with clinical practice.

Hanna Nichols earned her master’s in education policy in December 2023. Nichols enrolled in the Department of Education Policy and Social Analysis after her teaching experiences sparked an interest in educational equity and how research can influence practice. Nichols joined CCRC in fall 2022 and worked on a team evaluating multiple measures assessment, an alternative to using standardized test scores only to determine course placement for incoming college students.

Nichols in front of Teachers College

“When I first started at Teachers College, I was very focused on K-12 education and was feeling unsure if working at CCRC would make the most sense for me,” Nichols said. “However, it ended up being the best decision. Beth Kopko provided invaluable mentorship and support as I navigated Teachers College and grappled with my future career.”

Nichols now works as a research and data analyst at the Bank Street Education Center within Bank Street College of Education in New York City, where she contributes to the math instruction portfolio.

“As a research analyst in K-12 education, I am recognizing the connections between K-12 work and higher education and am applying so much of what I learned at CCRC to my job,” Nichols said.

CCRC extends a sincere thank you to this year’s graduates, who made essential contributions to their research teams. We congratulate them and are rooting for each graduate as they take their next steps!