Congratulations to Katie Soto, a NebraskaMATH doctoral graduate; Rachel Funk, a CSMCE staff member who earned a Ph.D. in mathematics; and 17 Nebraska teachers who earned master's degrees or graduate certificates from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in May or August 2023, in part as a result of their participation in a NebraskaMATH program or the Nebraska Math and Science Summer Institutes.
Soto, who completed the MAT degree and was a NebraskaNOYCE Master Teacher, earned her Ed.D. in Educational Studies, with a specialization in Teaching, Curriculum, and Learning, in May. She was in the CPED program (Carnegie Project for the Educational Doctorate). Dr. Soto is an instructional coach, data steward, and Synergy student information specialist. She is one of six members of the professional learning team at Educational Service Unit 9 in Hastings. Her adviser was Dr. Ted Hamann.
“Recognizing the necessity of involving student voices in shaping PK-12 math educational experiences became clear to me on this journey,” Soto said. “By understanding and valuing their perspectives, we can create more inclusive and effective learning environments. Embracing the ideas and thoughts of our learners is vital to designing math education that truly meets their needs and fosters their growth.”
Funk, research scientist in the CSMCE, earned her Ph.D. in mathematics. Drs. Wendy Smith and Yvonne Lai were her advisors. Her dissertation focused on how undergraduate learning assistants were positioned in active learning mathematics classrooms. She will continue working on UNL projects that support students in STEM, particularly students from marginalized backgrounds.
Twelve teachers earned a Master of Arts for Teachers (MAT) from the Department of Mathematics (May graduates are noted as well as states of non-Nebraska teachers):
• Sara Andersson, Lincoln Public Schools
• Jenny Christensen, Christ the King School, Omaha
• Emily Cleveland, Franklin Public School (May)
• Kelsey Erickson, Fremont Public Schools
• Bailey Fitch (Harriger), Westside Community Schools, Omaha
• Christina Hays, Scottsbluff Public Schools
• Briana Janda, Elkhorn Public Schools
• Cameron Meter, Lincoln Public Schools
• Krystina Millius, Westside Community Schools, Omaha
• Meghan O’Brien, Wisconsin (May)
• Linda Romero-Gutierrez, Lincoln Public Schools
• Trevor Whitaker, Westside Community Schools, Omaha
Two teachers earned a Master of Arts from the Department of Teaching, Learning and Teacher Education (after completing Primarily Math earlier) in August:
• Megan Dunn, Fremont Public Schools
• Tara Zetzsche, St. Michael School in Lincoln
Three elementary teachers completed Primarily Math and received a K-3 Math Specialist Certificate from TLTE:
• Jordan Barry, Wahoo Public Schools
• Jenny Janssen, Syracuse-Dunbar-Avoca Public Schools
• Shelbee Lemburg, Gretna Public Schools
We are proud of your accomplishments!