Anda Pearson

Educational Background

Being a research assistant has given me the opportunity to connect with faculty and engage in projects and research I might not have otherwise experienced. It has also provided opportunities for publications and presentations that will be instrumental for my future roles. In addition, the mentorship that accompanies an assistantship has been invaluable. The hands-on experience of engaging in research- from developing initial questions to preparing presentations and final publications- has provided me with meaningful opportunities to delve deeply into the process and the ability to ask questions along the way under the guidance of a mentor.

One project that has significantly influenced my early career was the opportunity to present at AERA 2025 with Dr. Edgar Díaz. As my first experience at a research conference, it provided me with a firsthand understanding of the breadth of the educational research field. This experience broadened my perspective, encouraging me to look beyond my initial interests and expand the scope of my research questions.

Emphasis

Research Interests: Young Adult Emotions, Identity Development, Empathy, Young Adult Literature and Literacy, Intersectionality, Mentor relationships, and Teacher Identity
Teaching Interests: ENGL 3510 Teaching Young Adult Literature
Concentration Area: Cultural Studies
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Amanda Deliman.
Teaching Interests: ENGL 3510 Teaching Young Adult Literature
Research Supervisors: Dr. Edgar Díaz and Dr. Qi Si