Dissertation Mini-Grant

Mary A. Pei, a Ph.D. candidate at Johns Hopkins University’s Department of Advanced Studies in Education and recent recipient of the Innovation in Research Fellowship, conducts groundbreaking research at the intersection of linguistics, semiotics, creativity, and measurement design. Her focus is on the identification, measurement, and development of talent and creativity in the United States and East Asia. With a background in linguistics and Asian studies, Pei’s qualitative study delves into teachers’ perspectives on linguistic-cognitive bias in gifted identification tests, including the CogAT Nonverbal Battery and the Naglieri Nonverbal Abilities Test. Through interviews with gifted educators, she seeks to gain insights into stakeholder perceptions of these tests and linguistic-cognitive bias, contributing to equity in gifted education.

Kim Stephenson, an Assistant Professor of Elementary Education and Accreditation Support Specialist at Huntingdon College, is also a dedicated educator with experience in K-12 academic and gifted program leadership. Currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Special Education Multiple Abilities with a focus on gifted education at the University of Alabama, Kim has successfully defended her dissertation titled “Comparing Pre-service and In-service Teachers’ Perceptions of Fostering Creativity in the Classroom.” She holds leadership roles in various organizations, including President-Elect of the Alabama Association for Gifted Children and Chair-Elect of the NAGC Professional Learning Network. Kim’s research aims to examine the diverse perspectives of pre-service and in-service teachers on fostering creativity, exploring factors such as self-efficacy, societal value, teaching environment, and students’ creative potential. This research contributes valuable insights to enhancing creativity in classrooms and supporting teachers in this endeavor.