Ayesha Khatun is a research assistant at CCRC, where she contributes to two projects related to federal work-study programs and the implementation of corequisite curriculum for STEM courses. She is currently pursuing an MA in Developmental Psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University. Her research background includes studying early life stress, maladaptive decision-making, and caregiver support for children with special needs. During her time as a college student, Khatun was involved in community projects, including planning educational activities for school-aged children, preparing meals for the elderly, and raising funds for care packages for children in foster care. Her experience spans working with individuals with developmental disabilities, international students, school-aged children, teenagers, the elderly, and hospice residents. Khatun is passionate about vocational counseling and supporting children with disabilities.