AERA Graduate Student Council Chair Welcome Letter, 2023-2024
Theme: Dismantling Racial Injustice &
Constructing Educational Possibilities: A Call to Action
Nicole M. Johnson | Chair
Nicole M. Johnson is a dedicated Ph.D. student at Howard University, specializing in Higher Education Leadership & Policy Studies. Her academic journey includes earning a Master's degree from Harvard Graduate School of Education, where she has focused on making meaningful contributions to the field of education. Nicole's leadership and commitment have been recognized through her election as Chair of the American Educational Research Association's Graduate Student Council. Previously, Nicole played a significant role as a Research Assistant at Harvard Graduate School of Education, contributing to a longitudinal study exploring the impact of a student's sense of purpose and economic perspectives on their post-secondary decisions.
Moreover, Nicole's dedication to equity and excellence in education is evident through her collaboration with the Education Redesign Lab, where she worked alongside the former Massachusetts Secretary of Education to support initiatives to enhance academic achievement among underrepresented students. With a strong passion for research, leadership, and educational policy, Nicole Johnson continues to strive for innovative solutions to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for all students.
Dear Colleagues,
I am honored to serve as Chair of the American Educational Research Association's Graduate Student Council. Our council, comprised of over 7,000 graduate students, represents the future of educational research. AERA has played a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape, promoting scholarly inquiry, and disseminating valuable research results.
The theme for this year is "Dismantling Racial Injustice and Constructing Educational Possibilities: A Call to Action." Through our efforts, we aspire to create inclusive and equitable education spaces that embrace diversity, amplify voices, and inspire positive change. It is with great enthusiasm that I take on this role and embark on a journey of collective growth and educational advancement. The Annual Conference will take place from April 11-14, 2024, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This event promises to be a platform for sharing knowledge, engaging in fruitful discussions, and building meaningful connections.
Remember, as members of this organization, your ideas matter. Collaborate, learn, and grow together as you seek innovative solutions to the challenges that lie ahead. As a GSC, our goal is to empower you to confidently present your research to diverse audiences and increase opportunities for professional development, scholarships/grants, and publications, ensuring that our collective knowledge creates a meaningful impact in academia and beyond.
As we move forward, let us reinforce our commitment to fostering excellence in education and evaluation and actively participate in translating research findings into meaningful and practical applications.
I look forward to working alongside each one of you.
Warm regards,
Nicole M. Johnson
Chair
AERA Graduate Student Council
Honey Walrond | Chair-Elect
Dear Esteemed Colleagues,
It is with great enthusiasm and honor that I extend my warmest congratulations and thanks to each and every one of you for electing me as the 2023-2024 Chair-Elect of the Graduate Student Council for the American Educational Research Association (AERA, GSC). I am truly humbled by the trust and confidence you have placed in me. I am thrilled to embark on this incredible journey together as we strive to advance education research and scholarship to new heights as graduate students.
AERA has long been at the forefront of educational excellence, fostering innovation and promoting evidence-based practices that empower educators and learners alike. As Chair-Elect, my foremost commitment is to build upon pasts Chairs, current 2023-204 Chair Nicole M. Johnson, and the rich legacy of our esteemed association and work collaboratively with all of you to shape the future of education research.
As we embark on this journey and The Annual Conference taking place from April 11-14, 2024, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, I encourage you to actively participate and engage in AERA's initiatives, events, and committees. Your contributions are invaluable, and your dedication to education research propels us forward. Together, we will be the architects of change and the catalysts for progress.
Please do not hesitate to share your thoughts, ideas, and aspirations with the GSC. Your input is vital in steering how the GSC can help support graduate student members of AERA.
Thank you once again for this tremendous opportunity to lead our esteemed committee. Together, let us champion the cause of education research, empower educators, inspire learners, and drive positive change that will reverberate for generations to come.
With great excitement and a strong sense of purpose,
Honey Walrond
Chair-Elect