Dr. Rodrigues is an Assistant Professor in the School of Education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She was previously faculty at the University of Missouri. She is the Director of the Mathematics Potential Lab and Principal Investigator on a National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER grant.

Emily is an Assistant Professor in the School of Education at the University of Indianapolis. Her research focuses on supporting teachers in the use and effective implementation of evidence-based mathematics instructional practices to improve outcomes for students with or at risk for mathematics disabilities. This work is organized around two primary lines of inquiry: (1) data-based individualization as an instructional framework and (2) enhancing the accessibility of research communication methods (e.g., practitioner articles) for educators.

Lindsey is an Assistant Research Professor at Juniper Gardens Children’s Project (JGCP) at the University of Kansas. She received her Ph.D. in Special Education from the University of Missouri in 2024. Her research focuses on investigating universal social skill instruction for secondary students, including students with disabilities and students at-risk for social, emotional, or behavioral challenges. Given her years of experience as a high school special education teacher, her research focuses on supporting educators in embedding interventions and supports within the daily curriculum to increase students’ social competence. Lindsey also leads the POD project, an open access spreadsheet that collects special education faculty job advertisements for each academic job market year.

Alice Mukashyaka is a Ph.D. student in Applied Developmental Science and Special Education at the School of Education, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her research aims to explore how peer-mediated mathematics interventions can strengthen conceptual understanding and mathematical identity among students at risk for mathematics learning difficulties, particularly in under-resourced secondary schools. She is also interested in how technology and AI can support equitable and learner-centered mathematics education.

Previously, Alice co-founded Starlight, a Rwanda-based education organization expanding access to STEM learning and leadership opportunities for girls. Her work bridges research, education innovation, and practice to advance equitable STEM education and the responsible use of emerging technologies.

Anna Gustaveson is a doctoral student at UNC in the Culture, Curriculum, and Teacher Education concentration with a specialization in Mathematics Education. She studies systemic narratives and teachers' beliefs and discourses about students' competence in math. Her work seeks to support pre-service and in-service teachers in understanding how systemic narratives influence their views of student competence in deficit ways, and to adopt anti-deficit discourses and instructional practices in their classrooms. 

Haiyi is a master’s student in the Educational Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship (MEITE) Program at UNC-Chapel Hill. He is interested in how institutional structures shape learning opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds. Before joining MPL, he worked as a research assistant at Carolina Population Center, focusing on social stratification and health disparities. He is passionate about using quantitative methods and learning analytics to identify and address barriers to student success.

Boran Yu is a doctoral student in the Learning Science and Psychological Studies program at the School of Education, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her research and interests include:​

• Supporting mathematics teachers' implementation of evidence-based classroom practice

• Leveraging learning science theories and research evidence to support mathematics teachers' pedagogical reasoning

• Mentoring teachers in developing agency in implementing evidence-based practices.

Shekhar Dash is a graduate student in the MEITE program in the Adaptive Learning Analytics track. He is a filmmaker, educator, and entrepreneur with academic interests in data science and the cognitive neuroscience–informed design of educational technologies. He is particularly interested in applying data-driven approaches to understand learning processes and to design effective, scalable educational systems.

Emma is a senior and a North Carolina native. She is studying Psychology and Human Development and Family Sciences. She is interested in career in Marriage and Family Therapy, hoping to help make an impact on breaking generational cycles. She is passionate about working and making a difference among young students, hoping to continue with research on educational equality.

I am a senior at UNC double majoring in Psychology and Human Development and Family Science, with a minor in Health and Society. I am passionate about working with children and am particularly interested in how diverse life experiences shape children's mental health and early educational outcomes. After graduation, I hope to pursue a PhD in developmental psychology and a career as a therapist supporting children and families.

Sophie is an undergraduate student at UNC Chapel Hill, pursuing a dual degree in Human Development and Family Science within the School of Education, as well as a double major in the History Department. Her primary interests focus on promoting healthy social and emotional development among children in educational settings, with the goal of reducing youth-based violence and expanding opportunities for students across diverse social and economic backgrounds. Following graduation, she intends to pursue a dual Master of Social Work and Juris Doctor degree to advance a career in child advocacy.

Emma is a senior from Sanford, North Carolina, who is passionate about advocating for individuals from all walks of life. She is double-majoring in Human Development and Family Science and Exercise and Sport Science. After graduation, Emma plans to attend a graduate nursing program to become a critical care nurse. In addition to her involvement with MPL, she is an active member of Carolina For The Kids, a nonprofit organization that raises funds for NC Children’s Hospital. Emma joined MPL to make a positive impact in math and special education for future generations who want to pursue STEAM careers.

Alice is a sophomore at UNC, majoring in Computer Science and Education. Over the past five years, she has impacted 23,000+ young Brazilians by teaching programming and robotics in public schools. In the future, Alice hopes to lead the most innovative edtech company in Latin America and build an ecosystem that empowers low-income girls to learn technology and celebrate Latin American culture. Additionally, Alice is interested in pursuing a PhD in Learning Analytics with a focus in AI in Education.

Rahiem Brooks is a graduate student in the Educational Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship (MEITE) program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the Adaptive Learning track. His research interests focus on early childhood development, educational neuroscience, and the design of technology-supported learning interventions for families and children. Before joining MPL, he conducted research in Dr. Margaret Sheridan’s CIRCLE Lab and developed the PANDA Study, a neuroscience-informed parent intervention focused on supporting early learning in underserved communities. He is passionate about using data analytics, learning science, and educational technology to translate developmental research into scalable tools that improve outcomes for children and families.

Sabina is a junior at UNC majoring in Data Science with minors in Education and Public Policy. She is passionate about tackling opportunity gaps, particularly through bridging the gap between data-driven research and practice. She has experience working across state education agencies, research institutes, and non-profits, translating complex state education data and policy research into actionable insights for schools, educators, and state agencies. Sabina plans to begin her career as an elementary school teacher before eventually working in education administration and state government. 

Aditi Aghoram is a senior from Cary, North Carolina, who is passionate about math and working with kids. She is a double major in Human Development and Family Science and Mathematics and plans to pursue her masters in Elementary Education after graduation. Her primary interests are making math more accessible and enjoyable for both students and teachers alike, which is why she joined MPL! Aditi is also the treasurer of Handmade By Heels, a club at UNC that creates crochet crafts for UNC hospitals.