Our team is composed of leading researchers and experts from
the University of Virginia, the American Institutes of Research, and CREATE.
University of Virginia
Sara Zielberg is a curriculum and education writer specializing in elementary literacy. Holding a Bachelor and Master of Science in Elementary Education from Indiana University, Sara taught in public schools for 18 years at the elementary level.
Sara Zielberg, M.S.
ENGAGE Education & Outreach Director,
University of Virginia
Pamela Nicholas-Hoff, Ph.D., holds a Virginia postgraduate professional teaching license and is a certified CARE facilitator. Her research interests focus on using mindfulness-, compassion-, and equity-based practices to reduce implicit bias and discipline disparities.
Pamela Nicholas-Hoff, M.Ed., Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Research Associate,
University of Virginia
American Institutes for Research
Dennis Williams II is a doctoral student at the University of Virginia. His research interests include critical paradigms, anti-oppressive education, and contemplative pedagogy. A former special education teacher, he is a research assistant in the Contemplative Teaching and Learning Lab.
Dennis Williams II, M.A., M.Ed.
Ph.D. Student,
University of Virginia
With experience and expertise in evaluating school-based student support initiatives, Kim Kendizora, Ph.D., focuses on evaluations of school- and community-based initiatives to promote social and emotional learning among students.
Kim Kendizora, Ph.D.
Managing Researcher, American Institutes for Research
CREATE for Education
Mark T. Greenberg, Ph.D., is Emeritus Professor at Penn State and the founding director of the Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center. Currently, his areas of research include prevention of behavioral health problems, and promotion of wellbeing in youth and their caregivers.
Mark T. Greenberg, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus,
Pennsylvania State University
Former Team Members
Yibing Li, Ph.D., specializes in research design and advanced quantitative methods. She directs and co-directs large scale research and evaluation projects funded by the Institute for Education Science, Administration for Children & Families, and the Office of Elementary & Secondary Education.
Yibing Li, Ph.D.
Principal Researcher,
American Institutes for Research
Karime Cameron has a master’s in educational psychology and Developmental Applied Science and works as a Project Manager at the University of Virginia. She has worked with numerous researchers on various study designs focusing on topics such as curiosity and creativity, teacher well-being, social and emotional development, and innovative teaching practices.
Karime Cameron, M.Ed.
Project Manager,
University of Virginia
Svenja Hascher is a doctoral student at the University of Potsdam, Germany and member of the Max Planck International Research School LIFE. As a former elementary school teacher, her research interests include social interactions in multidimensionally heterogeneous elementary school classrooms.
Svenja Hascher
Visiting Scholar,
University of Virginia
Ava Michael is a former project coordinator for Project ENGAGE. She has an M.Ed. in Educational Psychology and is currently pursuing a PhD in Clinical and School Psychology. Her research interests include helping promote both school staff and student's mental health and well-being.
Ava Michael, M.Ed.
Project Coordinator,
University of Virginia