Trio of talented ELPA PhD students named UCEA Jackson Scholars


UW–Madison’s Tony DelaRosa, Xinyu Guan, and guy john halcón were each selected as University Council for Educational Administration (UCEA) Jackson Scholars.

This two-year program provides formal networking, mentoring, and professional development for graduate students of color who intend to become professors of educational leadership.

Each of these scholars recently selected from UW–Madison is pursuing a PhD through the School of Education’s highly regarded Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis.

Following is additional information about the interests of each of these Jackson Scholars:

Tony DelaRosa

Tony DelaRosa portrait
DelaRosa

Tony DelaRosa focuses on researching the impact of ethnic studies and race-based policies on teacher and leadership practices. He is the author of “Teaching the Invisible Race: Embodying a Pro-Asian American Lens in Schools” with Jossey-Bass.

DelaRosa will be mentored by Dr. Decoteau J. Irby, an assistant professor in the Department of Educational Policy Studies, with the University of Illinois at Chicago’s College of Education. He is also the author of “Stuck Improving.” 

“I am paired with Dr. Irby after reading his book in Dr. Kevin Lawrence Henry Jr.’s course on organizational theory,” says DelaRosa. “I loved Dr. Irby’s passion and research on climate, culture, and organizational theory and change at the school level. I hope to learn how to take some of his methods and implement them into my own dissertation around how Asian American education policy translates into practice at a school site. Lastly, I love that he is also a fellow artist — it challenges me to think how can my own art (spoken word poetry) be woven into my research agenda?” 

Xinyu Guan

Xinyu Guan portrait
Guan

Xinyu Guan’s research focuses on school finance, resource allocation, and state-level policy, particularly in relation to emerging bilingual students.

Guan will be mentored by Dr. Yongmei Ni, a professor with the University of Utah’s Department of Educational Leadership and Policy.

“Being paired with Dr. Yongmei Ni, a renowned scholar in quantitative methodology, perfectly aligns with my research interests,” says Guan. “I look forward to learning from her expertise, particularly in applying advanced quantitative methods. Additionally, the broader Jackson Scholars Network will allow me to connect with like-minded scholars who are dedicated to addressing educational equity and policy reform. I am looking forward to engaging in meaningful discussions, sharing research insights, and growing within a community of scholars who are equally passionate about making a difference in education.”

guy john halcón

guy john halcón is a second-year doctoral student whose research and professional interests broadly focus on K-20-plus student wellness and student rights, the potential of schools to be places of belonging, healing, and care for queer* and trans* students of color*, and Jotería experiences.

His dissertation aims to be grounded in co-creation with trans* and queer* Latine undergrad scholars at a Hispanic serving institution, focusing on student storytelling via pláticas, fotovoice and artistic voice. 

He will be mentored by Dr. Bryan Duarte, an associate professor of educational leadership and policy studies at Purdue University. He looks forward to learning from and being in community with his mentor and with other Jackson Scholars.

Pin It on Pinterest